ISSUED: 21 August 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Kendall Hunt Publishing will release the second edition of Society and Culture: An Introduction to Sociology, a textbook by Shepherd University Adjunct Professor of Anthropology Patrick Farris.
Farris said he designed the book—first published in 2024—using his expertise in sociology and anthropology to create a resource that integrates both disciplines.
Organized into four parts, the textbook focuses on key themes, including the science of sociology and the human species, societal identities, societal systems, and cultural change.
“The group topics and themes are combined to reinforce their interrelatedness,” Farris said. “Students who are majors in sociology and anthropology will benefit from being familiar with these references; however, all students can utilize the references to pursue individual interests.”
Each chapter concludes with references Farris used to compose the textbook, including classical works of sociology and cultural theory, contemporary works in sociology, anthropology, and related disciplines, and sociocultural studies, such as ethnographies, which illustrate specific topics and themes.
Following the success of the initial edition, Kendall Hunt offered Farris a new contract to expand the work.
The revised 2025 edition includes additional chapters and expanded resources for educators.
The updated textbook is now available in both print and e-book formats and has been assigned an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
Since 2009, Farris has served as an adjunct instructor in Shepherd University’s sociology, criminology, and criminal justice program.
He has taught a variety of courses, including Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Anthropology, Anthropology/Sociology of Religion, Sociolinguistics, and Anthropology of the Shenandoah Valley.
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