"This hybrid of text and readings combines the major writings of sociology's core classical and contemporary theories with a historical as well as theoretical framework for understanding them. This approach provides students with the analytical guidance necessary to interpret the readings." "This book uses a metatheoretical framework allows students to examine, compare, and contrast each theorist's major themes and concepts and offers pedagogical devices and visual aids to summarize key concepts, illuminate complex ideas, and provoke student interest. This text is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses combining classical and contemporary sociological theory."--Jacket.