Ohrstrom Blog » Social History

New Reference Book: Encyclopedia of Modern Ethnic Conflicts

Lura Sanborn — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:28:36 +0000

Encyclopedia of Modern Ethnic Conflicts edited by Joseph R. Rudolph, Jr., Greenwood, 2003.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 305.8 R83

A one-volume guide concerning the study of global ethnic conflict during the 20th Century. Each of the thirty-eight individual entries discusses the historical background of a particular ethnic conflict, how the conflict was managed, and the impact of the conflict.

Examples include:

Canada: The Nationalist Movement in Quebec
China: Ethnic Conflict and the International System
France: The “Foreigner” Issue
Middle East: The Arab-Jewish Struggle for Palestine to 1948
Rwanda: Hutu-Tutsi Conflict and Genocide in Central Africa
United States: The United States – Puerto Rico Relationship

Helpful for: Literature of Witness, Middle Eastern Voices, Gender Studies, International Studies, Social History, World Politics, Humanities

New Reference Book: Encyclopedia of Gender and Society

Lura Sanborn — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:56 +0000

Encyclopedia of Gender and Society edited by Jodi O’Brien, Sage Publications, 2009.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 306.7 Ob6G

A 2-volume set focusing on gender scholarship. Articles cover many categories including: art, popular culture, sports, body image and health, economics, politics, race and ethnicity, relationships, religion, science and sexuality.

Examples: Bachelors and Spinsters, Body Hair, GI Joe, Nuns, “Personal is Political,” Sports and Homosexuality, Tomboy/Sissy

Helpful for: Women’s Studies, Gender Studies, Humanities, Social History, U.S. History, Science

New Reference Book: The Measure of America

Lura Sanborn — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:45 +0000

The Measure of America written and edited by Sarah Burd-Sharps, Kristen Lewis and Eduardo Borges Martins, Columbia U. Press, 2008.

Find it in Ohrstrom: REF 317 B89M

A collection of data, statistics and interpretive text that reflects upon and measures the well-being of Americans. The report focuses, using a variety of different measurements, on three main areas: health, education & standard of living.

Chapter/Essay Titles Include: The Essential Conditions for Good Health, Health Insurance: The Policy That Unlocks Many Doors, Access to Knowledge: How We Fare Internationally, Factors That Fuel Growth in Earnings InEquality.

Helpful for: Humanities IV, American History, Social History, Statistics, Gender Studies

New Reference Book: The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and Television

Lura Sanborn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:30 +0000

The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and Television by John Kenneth Muir, McFarland, 2008.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 791.43 M91S

A one-volume guide discussing superheroes from American film and television. Each article focuses on a particular superhero, their history, creation and appearance in TV and/or film(s). When applicable, a complete TV episode-by-episode synopsis follows each entry.

Examples include:

The Amazing Spider-Man
The Ambiguously Gay Duo
The Bionic Woman
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Doctor Strange
Swamp Thing

Helpful for: Humanities IV, Art, Gender Studies, Social History, Pop Culture, Superhero Fans

New Reference Book: Encyclopedia of African American History

Lura Sanborn — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:07 +0000

Encyclopedia of African American History: 1619 -1895 edited by Paul Finkelman, Oxford U. Press, 2006.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 305.896 F49A

Throughout three volumes this set discusses the history of African Americans from the earliest American settlements to the close of the nineteenth century corresponding with the death of Frederick Douglass. Entries focus on historical biography, politics, law, culture, religion, and economics.

Examples include: African Americans and the West, Black Seafarers, Haitian Revolutions, Hair and Beauty Culture, Ida B. Wells-Barnett

Helpful for: Humanities IV, American History, African American Studies, Social History

Encyclopedia of African American History: 1896 to the Present edited by Paul Finkelman, Oxford U. Press, 2009.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 305.896 F49A

In five volumes and 1,250 entries, this set “reflects the trauma, tragedy, hope and accomplishments of black culture and life since 1896” (xxiii). Entries focus on biography, politics, law, art, music, sport, entertainment, religion, and economics.

Examples include: Astronauts, Blaxploitation Films, Sean Combs, Family, Oprah, Railroad Segregation, and United Negro College Fund.

Helpful for: Humanities IV, American History, African American Studies, Social History