ABSTRACT

This revised and updated edition of the hugely successful American Civilization provides students of American studies with the perfect background and introductory information on contemporary American life. This sixth edition examines the central dimensions of American society from geography and the environment, government and politics, to religion, education, sports, media and the arts. This book:

  • covers all core American studies topics at introductory level.
  • contains essential historical background for American studies students in the twenty-first century
  • analyzes issues of gender, class, race, and minorities in America’s cosmopolitan population.
  • contains color photos, case studies, questions and terms for discussion, bibliographical references and lists of websites central to each chapter.
  • accompanied by a fully integrated companion website featuring extensive references for further reading, links to key primary sources, filmographies and advice for students on how to approach essay questions.

Featuring new color illustrations and case studies, this edition includes expanded sections on the environment, immigration, foreign policy, media and the arts, sport and leisure cultures as well as a new section on the LGBT community and detailed coverage of the 2012 election and shifting economic situation.

chapter 1|24 pages

The American context

chapter 2|28 pages

The country

chapter 3|24 pages

The people: settlement and immigration

chapter 4|38 pages

The people: women and minorities

chapter 5|26 pages

Religious cultures

chapter 8|28 pages

Foreign policy

chapter 9|28 pages

The legal system

chapter 10|28 pages

The economy

chapter 11|26 pages

Social services

chapter 12|28 pages

Education

chapter 13|26 pages

The media

chapter 14|28 pages

Arts, sports and leisure cultures