This book is designed to introduce readers to the joys and challenges of theoretical thinking. It begins by encouraging reflection of informal everyday theorizing, showing that theoretical thinking is an important feature of human activity. A focus on key themes?the politics of the classroom, the notion of what is "real," what is "natural," and how time is measured?allows Sears to draw out important elements of social theory in a way that makes it relevant and interesting to students. Creative exercises bring the issues to life and help hone critical thinking and writing skills. In the process, Sears offers an engaging and accessible guide through the complex world of social theory and lays a solid foundation for further study.Special Combined Price: A Good Book, In Theory: A Guide to Theoretical Thinking may be ordered together with Social Theory: Continuity and Confrontation, second edition at a special discounted price. In order to secure the package price, the following ISBN must be used when ordering: 978-1-55402-291-5. Academics please note that this is a title classified as having a restricted allocation of complimentary copies. Restricted titles remain available to adopters and to academics very likely to adopt in the coming semester. When adoption possibilities are less strong and/or further in the future, academics are requested to purchase the title, with the proviso that UTP Higher Education will happily refund the purchase price if the book is indeed adopted.