ABSTRACT

This hugely successful text provides students of American studies with the perfect background and introductory information on contemporary American life. Thoroughly revised, this fifth edition covers all the central dimensions of American society from geography and the environment, government and politics, to religion, education, media and the arts.

American Civilization:

  • covers all core American studies topics at introductory level
  • contains essential historical background for American studies students at the start of the twenty-first century
  • analyzes gender, class and race, and America's cosmopolitan population
  • contains photos, case studies, questions and terms for discussion, and suggests websites for further research.

With new illustrations and case studies, this edition of American Civilization includes expanded sections on Asian and Latino minorities and US foreign policy activities, and provides new material including coverage of the 2008 election and the shifting economic situation. 

An invaluable online resource, the American Civilization companion website features a wealth of material, including extensive references for further reading, links to key primary sources, filmographies and advice to students of how to approach essay questions. Visit www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415481625 to discover more.

chapter 1|22 pages

The American context

chapter 2|30 pages

The country

chapter 3|24 pages

The people: settlement and immigration

chapter 4|36 pages

The people: women and minorities

chapter 7|26 pages

Foreign policy

chapter 8|28 pages

The legal system

chapter 9|26 pages

The economy

chapter 10|26 pages

Social services

chapter 11|26 pages

Education

chapter 12|22 pages

The media

chapter 13|22 pages

Religion

chapter 14|24 pages

The arts, sports and leisure