About the Author    William E. Thompson was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was the first member of his family to receive a high school diploma.  He received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University, a master's degree from Missouri State University, and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.  Professor Thompson has authored and coauthored more than 30 articles in professional journals, including several reprinted in sociology textbooks and readers.  He has coauthored a textbook on juvenile delinquency.  Thompson also is the author of The Glass House, a nonfiction account of his mother's two year battle with cancer and the lessons about life and living learned from her death and dying.     Professor Thompson began his college teaching career at the University of Tulsa.  He spent the next ten years at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.  He is currently a professor of sociology and criminal justice and Director of Mayo College, a residential learning community for first-year students, at Texas A&M University - Commerce.  He has also taught in the British Studies Program at Kings College, University of London.  In 1993 Thompson received an Outstanding Teaching Award from the Texas Association of College Teachers, and in 1994 he won the Distinguished Faculty Award for Research and Teaching at Texas A&M University - Commerce.  For fun and relaxation Thompson plays the drums. Product Description PLEASE PROVIDE SUMMARY Review "I have chosen Society in Focus because of its appeal to students, its organization, and its contemporary approach to social issues."Betty DaughenbaughWor-Wic Community College "Society in Focus has solid coverage of major concepts and principles, plus the inclusion of globalization and technomedia themes make it very timely."Michael MillerUniversity of Texas - San Antonio "Our faculty chose the text for several reasons: it possesses a rich yet focused approach to instruction, it is very current in recent research and thematic developments in the discipline, and it is rather grounded substantively; using popular culture references where appropriate - whcih gives greater context to sociological concepts."Terence StewartMott Community College "The text provides integration of sociological theory throughout each chapter, and is very readable and affordable."Terence StewartMott Community College  From the Back Cover ----STUDENT EDITION----HELPING YOU SUCCEED IN SOCIOLOGYDear Student: Allyn & Bacon is committed to helping you succeed in your sociology course. We are pleased to offer you resources that go beyond the book to help you study–and to help you learn. For example: Companion Website (www.ablongman.com/thompson5e)The free, open-access website that accompanies this book features chapter reviews, practice tests, electronic flash cards, and web links for every chapter. Additional material, including interactive maps and an eThemes of the Times collection of New York Times articles, helps you explore how sociology works in our everyday lives. Study GuideThis comprehensive manual provides chapter summaries, chapter outlines, learning objectives, key terms and people, and self-tests for every chapter. A separate section on “Becoming a Better Student” will help you refine your study skills too! Look for the Study Guide in your bookstore, or purchase online at www.ablongman.com/sociology. ----EXAM COPY EDITION---A balanced and comprehensive introduction to sociology, Society in Focus includes timely and highly engaging research in every chapter on the powerful influences of mass media and “technomedia,” information technologies such as computers, email, the Internet, PDAs, and wireless phones. In this lively new edition, the authors continue to explore the increasing diversity and globalization of societies everywhere, and the special role of mass media and information technology in contemporary society. Praise for the Fifth Edition of Society in Foc