Contemporary Issues Companion Series from Greenhaven Press


Greenhaven Press's Contemporary Issues Companion series provides readers with a wealth of information on topics of current interest. Each anthology examines an important social issue in a variety of ways, from personal accounts and case studies to pertinent factual and statistical articles to commentaries and overviews. A perfect resource for both students and the general reader, this compelling and engaging series is sure to be a valued source of current, readable information.

Following is an annotated list of titles in this series that have been ordered by the MSU Libraries. To double check locations, call numbers, and availability, see MAGIC, our online catalog.

Many of the articles appearing in this series are also available electronically via the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Access to the electronic articles is limited to MSU faculty and students.


Adoption
Allen Verbrugge, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2006. 155pp.
Main Library Stacks HV875 .A315 2006
Adoption explores various models of adoptions, attitudes toward adoption, and factors in the adoption process. Adoption also examines current issues such as open adoptions, interracial adoptions, adoptions by gays and lesbians, and others. Notable attention is given to international adoption, adoptees who have sought out or reunited with birthparents, and the personal stories of each member of the adoption triad.

Alzheimer's Disease
Adela Soliz, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2006. 170pp.
Main Library Stacks RC523.2 A443 2006
After giving a detailed description of the disease, this book explores a range of possible causes of Alzheimer's disease from genetics to environmental factors such as aluminum. This book also describes issues in the treatment of the disease such as the debate over stem cell research. Finally, personal stories of caregivers as well as of an Alzheimer's patient reveal the tragic and traumatic nature of the disease.

Animal Rights
Shasta Gaughen, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2005. 160pp.
Main Library Stacks HV4708 .A549 2005
The treatment of animals raises many complex philosophical and ethical issues. This anthology includes selections that discuss the philosophical basis of animal rights, and also addresses the question of whether or not animals should have legal protection. Additional topics include the use of animals for human consumption, and the ethics of using animals for research and experimentation.

The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Shasta Gaughen, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2004. 160pp.
Main Library Stacks DS119.76 .A725 2004
In recent years, tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have risen exponentially, with violent outbreaks becoming a frequent occurrence. This timely anthology traces the history of the decades-long conflict, provides personal insights from ordinary people on both sides, and examines various proposals designed to bring about peace.

Battered Women
Louise Gerdes, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 1998. 144pp.
Main Library Stacks HV1444 .B37 1999
Domestic violence affects women from all walks of life. Contributors to this anthology investigate the pattern of domestic violence and examine legal and other measures that can protect battered women. Personal narratives by women who were victims of domestic violence illustrate the problem.

Biological Weapons
Clay Farris Naff, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2006. 191pp.
Main Library Stacks UG447.8 .B573 2006
Germ weapons have a long history, but few nations have actually deployed them. In recent years, however, terrorists have begun to use bioweapons. Combined with the rapid spread of genetic engineering, this paves the way for horrific new developments in bioweapons and necessitates major outlays in biodefense.

Cancer
Lisa Yount, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. 190pp.
Main Library Stacks RC254 .C33 2000
One of the most prevalent and feared diseases, cancer can take a variety of forms and is still not fully understood. This volume provides a layperson's overview of different theories about the causes of and potential cures for cancer, as well as exploring alternative therapies.

Censorship
Kate Burns, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2004. 139pp.
Main Library Stacks Z658.U5 C392 2004
Freedom of speech is a vital element of American democracy, but opinions differ concerning how far it should extend. Censorship is often called for in cases of national security, military secrets, media violence, pornography, and hate speech. The authors included in this volume discuss and debate the necessity of censorship in a free society.

Child Abuse
Jean Leverich, ed. Farmington Hills, MI . : Thomson/Gale/Greenhaven Press, 2006. 184pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6626.52 .C54 2006
Understaffed child welfare agencies across the United States process millions of cases of abuse and neglect every year. The authors in this volume provide insight into the possible causes of child abuse and suggest potential remedies.
2001 edition also available.

Civil Liberties
Jill Karson, ed. Detroit : Greenhaven / Thomson Gale, 2006. 154pp.
Main Library Stacks JC599.U5 C5463 2006
Since the founding of the country, Americans have debated how to properly balance an individual's right to exercise civil liberties and society's right to be protected from harm. Contributors to this anthology provide both historical background and contemporary perspectives on such topics as free speech, the separation of church and state, privacy rights, and how terrorism affects civil liberties.

Cloning
Sylvia Engdahl, ed. Farmington Hills, MI . : Thomson/Gale/Greenhaven Press, 2006. 198pp.
Main Library Stacks QH442.2 .C5647 2006
The first successful cloning of a mammal from an adult cell has raised numerous ethical questions concerning the possible use of this procedure on humans. Some welcome the new technology to aid infertile couples. Others oppose the cloning of humans.
2002 edition also available.

Coping With Death
Shasta Gaughen, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2004. 160pp.
Main Library Stacks BF789.D4 C665 2003
Inevitably, everyone must face death. This anthology features selections that discuss how to deal with death and dying. Contributors cover the nature of death and the afterlife, coping with grief, how to prepare for death, medical issues at the end of life, and ethical questions concerning death and dying.

Cults
Jill Carson, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. 144pp.
Special Collections BP603 .C84 2000
Are cults harmless alternative religions or dangerous sects? Should cultic groups be protected by the right to religious freedom? What is it like to belong to a cult? The authors address these and other important issues surrounding this rapidly growing phenomena.

The Death Penalty
Hayley R. Mitchell, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2001. 154pp.
Main Library Stacks HV8699.U5 D634 2001
Essays in this anthology explore this complex issue by examining the different perspectives and philosophies surrounding the use of the death penalty, the way in which it is administered, and the issue of the innocent on death row.

Depression
Henny H. Kim, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 1999. 186pp.
Main Library Stacks RC537 .D426 1999
Experts estimate that as many as 18 million Americans suffer from depression. The essays included in this volume present a general introduction to the various types of depression, current and potential treatments for the disorder, and the way in which depression affects its victims and their families.

Diabetes
Louise I. Gerdes, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2003. 176pp.
Main Library Stacks RC660 .G47 2003
The rate of diabetes has sky-rocketed in recent years, and medical researchers warn that this upward trend has no end in sight. However, diabetes is also becoming more treatable, and the disease may be prevented by simple lifestyle changes. This fact-filled anthology examines the causes of diabetes, current treatments, and prevention techniques.

Drunk Driving
Louise I. Gerdes, ed. Detroit : Greenhaven Press / Thomson Gale, 2005. 138pp.
Main Library Stacks HE5620.D7 D7793 2005
After a record low in drunk-driving deaths in 1999, drunk-driving fatalities are again on the rise, renewing the debate over the best way to combat the problem. In articles ranging from scientific reports to editorials to personal accounts, the authors in this updated anthology offer a broad overview of the continuing controversy surrounding drunk driving.
2001 edition

Eating Disorders
Shasta Gaughen, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2004. 154pp.
Main Library Stacks RC552.E18 E282113 2004
In this anthology, contributing authors explore issues related to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, compulsive overeating, and other eating disorders. Through informative essays and personal narratives, readers gain insight into the causes, effects, and treatments available.
2001 edition
1999 edition

Endangered Species
Shasta Gaughen, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2006. 154pp.
Main Library Stacks QH75 .E652 2006
Many species of plants and animals all over the world are faced with the threat of extinction. This anthology probes the issue with selections that cover the causes of species endangerment, the impact of the Endangered Species Act, and the complex and difficult task of saving threatened species.

Ethnic Violence
Myra H. Immell, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. 160pp.
Special Collections and Main Library Stacks JC328.6 .E875 2000
In recent years, violence among different ethnic groups has increased worldwide. Contributors to this anthology look at the causes behind ethnic conflict and suggest possible remedies. The inclusion of eyewitness accounts and survivors' stories demonstrates the brutality of these actions.

Euthanasia
Lisa Yount, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2002. 174pp.
Special Collections and Main Library Stacks R726 .E782 2002
The Supreme Court has ruled that there is no "constitutional right to die," but the question of whether terminally or perhaps merely incurably ill people should be able to have physicians' help in hastening their deaths remains unsettled in the minds of many. This anthology presents varying points of view on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in relation to other end-of-life issues, physicians' role in hastening death, euthanasia and the law, euthanasia in practice, and the ethics of euthanasia.

Extraterrestrial Life
Sylvia Engdahl, ed. Detroit : Greenhaven Press Thompson Gale, 2006. 171pp.
Main Library Stacks QB54 .E9456 2006
From NASA's exploration into whether Mars's atmosphere might once have supported life to tabloid tales of UFO sightings and alien abductions, the question of whether life exists on other planets is a fascinating one. Contributors to this volume examine both sides of the issue as they explore the scientific evidence, first-person accounts, and conspiracy theories dealing with the existence of extraterrestrial life.
2001 edition

Gangs
J. D. Lloyd, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2002. 176pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6439.U5 G358 2002
Whether in the inner city or the suburbs, gang membership among young people is an increasingly prevalent problem. The chapters in this anthology include an overview of the history of gangs in America, an examination of different types of gangs, portraits of gang life, and various anti-gang intervention methods.

Gays and Lesbians
Kate Burns, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2005. 191pp.
Main Library Stacks HQ76.3.U5 G3945 2005
Hardly a day goes by without new headlines addressing gay and lesbian issues in the local and national media. The essays in this volume explore key questions and controversies about sexual orientation related to historical, legal, cultural, and personal matters in the United States and Canada.

Genetic Engineering
Sylvia Engdahl, book editor. Farmington Hills, MI : : Greenhaven Press, c2006. 184pp.
Main Library Stacks QH442 .G4414 2006

Genocide
William Dudley, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2001. 186pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6322.7 .G48 2001
Events in Bosnia and Rwanda in the 1990s demonstrated the genocide -- the deliberate and organized killing of entire cultural and ethnic groups -- is not just a historical calamity, but a contemporary dilemma facing the international community. Contributors to this anthology examine both historical genocide, including the Holocaust, and more recent instances of genocide, and discuss ways such tragedies could be prevented in the future.

Global Warming
Shasta Gaughen, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2005. 144pp.
Main Library Stacks QC981.8.G56 G545 2005
Changes in global climate and weather patterns have raised the stakes in the debate over global warming. In this anthology, authors discuss the global warming phenomenon and debate its impact on the earth. Selections also cover the consequences of global warming and suggest various ways of solving the global warming problem.

Human Rights
Adela Soliz, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press; Thomson Gale, 2006. 171pp.
On order 12/04/06
Addresses how human rights are defined, how they are abused, and how they can be protected. Also includes valuable firsthand accounts of human rights violations and solutions, elevating the drama of the human rights debate to a less abstract and more personal level. Is the United Nations partisan? Is democracy a guarantor of human rights?

Inner-City Poverty
Tamara L. Roleff, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2003. 176pp.
Main Library Stacks HC110.P6 I56 2003
The United States has been fighting a war on poverty for nearly forty years and yet poverty seems as entrenched as ever in American society. The chapters in this anthology include an examination of urban poverty, government and grass-roots solutions to poverty, and personal views of life in the poor inner-city.

Learning Disabilities
Henny H. Kim, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2004. 158pp.
Main Library Stacks LC4704 .L394 2004
Dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder, and other learning disabilities profoundly affect the lives of Americans of all ages. This volume presents a concise overview of various learning disabilities, their diagnosis, and their treatment. Contributors also explore ways of coping with learning disorders in the classroom and the workplace.

Legalized Gambling
David M. Haugen, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2006. 174pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6715 .L43 2006
Since the late 1980s, legalized gambling has spread from Las Vegas and Atlantic City to Native American reservations to the Internet. This anthology traces the growth of gambling in the United States and explores many of the controversial issues that surround its ubiquity and popularity.
1999 edition

Marijuana
Louise I. Gerdes, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2002. 171pp.
Main Library Stacks HV5822.M3 M267 2002
The controversy surrounding marijuana centers on the question of how harmful this illegal drug truly is. Chapters focus on the physical effects of marijuana use, the legalization debate, whether marijuana has legitimate medical uses, and personal stories of the use and abuse of marijuana.

Muslims in America
Allen Verbrugge, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2005. 159pp.
Main Library Stacks E184.M88 M86 2005
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Muslims living in the United States have come under increased scrutiny. The authors included in this pertinent anthology examine such topics as the history of Muslim immigration to America, the role of Muslim Americans in U.S. society, and the effects of 9/11 on the American Muslim community.

Organized Crime
James D. Torr, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 1999. 192pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6441 .O739 1999
La Cosa Nostra, the Russian Mafia, the Chinese Triads, the Japanese Yakuza -- these and other criminal organizations are profiled in this compelling volume. Contributors look at the operations of these groups both in the United States and worldwide and examine their impact on society.

Prostitution
Tamara L. Roleff, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press ; Thomson Gale, 2006. 152pp.
Main Library Stacks HQ111 .P6992 2006

Race and Ethnicity
Alma M. Garcia, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2001. 138pp.
Main Library Stacks E184.A1 R344 2001
Gender is intertwined with race and ethnicity as an analytical concept throughout every chapter. Articles within each chapter include studies on race and ethnicity that also integrate gender and class perspectives.

Rape
Mary E. Williams, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2001. 187pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6558 .R32 2001
Contributors debate the prevalence of rape as well as its causes and the effectiveness of various responses to the problem. The perspectives of victims and perpetrators provide additional insights into this disturbing crime.

Schizophrenia
Scott Barbour, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2002. 191pp.
Main Library Stacks RC514 .S334152 2002
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that afflicts 1 percent of the population, causing extreme distortions of perception such as hallucinations and paranoia. In this anthology, authors discuss the nature and causes of the illness and describe treatments that offer hope to its victims.

School Violence
Kate Burns, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2005. 171pp.
Main Library Stacks LB3013.3 .S376 2005
Despite evidence that school violence is in decline, many Americans consider school safety to be of foremost concern their communities. The essays in this volume, some analytical and others personal, explore possible causes of violent behavior in students and suggest potential remedies.
2000 edition also available.

Serial Killers
Louise Gerdes, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. 192pp.
Main Library Stacks HV6515 .S47 2000
Serial killers comprise a very small percentage of the population, yet through their crimes they can terrorize entire cities. In this anthology, authors discuss the nature of serial murder, the factors that may predispose people to becoming serial killers, and the devastation these criminals have caused.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Louise I. Gerdes, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2003. 172pp.
Main Library Stacks RC200 .S4953 2003
In the 1960s and 1970s, many assumed that sexually transmitted diseases would soon be completely eradicated. But with the advent of AIDS and antibiotic-resistant strains of syphilis and gonorrhea, STDs once again became a serious problem. This anthology provides an overview of the most common STDs, concentrating on issues of prevention and treatment.

Teen Addiction
Jill Karsen, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2006. 178pp.
On order 12/19/06
Every year, thousands of teens become addicted to smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and gambling. This anthology presents an examination of the causes of teen addiction and various proposals to reduce or solve the problem, as well as the personal narratives of teens struggling to overcome their addictions.
2002 edition also available.

Teen Alcoholism
Laura K. Egendorf, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2001. 138pp.
Main Library Stacks HV5135 .T44 2001
Teenage drinking and alcohol abuse is prevalent in the United States. The contributors to this anthology examine the causes of teen alcoholism, its effects on adolescents and society, and how the problem of teen alcohol abuse can be solved.

Teen Pregnancy
Myra H. Immell, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2001. 186pp.
Main Library Stacks HQ759.4 .T423 2001
Each year in the United States nearly 1 million girls between the ages of fifteen and nineteen become pregnant. The text looks at the realities of teen sexual activity, the theories for preventing and reducing teen pregnancy, the tough choices that pregnant teens are faced with, and offers personal stories from young mothers.

Teen Smoking
Mary E. Williams, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. 144pp.
Main Library Stacks HV5745 .T44 2000
Most smokers pick up the habit during their teenage years. The reasons that teenagers begin to smoke, the seriousness of the problem of teen smoking, and various suggestions for reducing or preventing teen smoking are all examined in this volume.

Teens and Sex
Mary H. Immell, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2002. 159pp.
Main Library Stacks HQ27 .T434 2002
One of the most pressing questions during the teen years is whether to become sexually active. The contributors to this anthology provide an overview of teen sexual behavior and explore the topics of sexual orientation, sex education, teen pregnancy, and teens' risk of contracting STDs.

War Crimes
Henny H. Kim, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. 176pp.
Gast Business Library K5301 .W367 2000
Despite international agreements such as the Geneva Convention that ban war crimes, some warring nations continue to torture prisoners, massacre civilians, and commit other heinous acts. Contributors present both historical background and contemporary insights.

White Supremacists
Regine I. Heberline, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2002. 155pp.
Main Library Stacks E184.A1 W3965 2002
The Ku Klux Klan and the White Aryan Resistance are among the white supremacist organizations profiled in this riveting anthology. Authors examine the history and the strategies of the white supremacy movement, recount the personal stories of white supremacists and their victims, and suggest measures designed to combat the growth of white supremacy.

Women's Health
Christina Fisanick, ed. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press; Thompson Gale, 2006. 193pp.
Main Library Stacks RA564.85 .W66653 2006

Women's Rights
Shasta Gaughen, ed. San Diego, Ca. : Greenhaven Press, 2003. 160pp.
Main Library Stacks HQ1236 .W65265 2003
In the United States and around the world, women have been working to expand their rights for decades. This informative anthology provides an overview of the history of the women?s rights movement as well as an examination of the many issues being addressed by feminists today.

 

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