ABSTRACT

The hugely successful American Civilization provides students of American Studies with the perfect background and introductory information on contemporary American life, examining the central dimensions of American society from geography and the environment, government and politics, to religion, education, sports, media and the arts. Fully updated throughout, the seventh edition:

  • covers recent events including the 2016 US election and 2017 presidential inauguration
  • contains new commentary on key themes such as terrorist incidents and their effects on the national mood regarding immigration, rapidly changing energy politics, police racial profiling and the Black Lives Matter movement, and progress in legislation protecting the rights of the LGBT community
  • covers all core American Studies topics at introductory level and 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
  • is accompanied by a fully updated and integrated companion website (www.routledge.com/cw/mauk) featuring an interactive timeline, quiz questions, extensive references for further reading, links to key primary sources and advice for students on how to approach essay questions.

Containing questions and terms for discussion, bibliographical references and websites at the end of each chapter and a new selection of color illustrations and case studies, this textbook is an essential resource for all students of American civilization, culture and society.

chapter 1|28 pages

The American context

chapter 2|28 pages

The country

chapter 3|25 pages

The people

Settlement and immigration

chapter 4|39 pages

The people

Women and minorities

chapter 5|31 pages

Religious culture

chapter 6|35 pages

Political institutions

The federal government

chapter 7|19 pages

Political institutions

State and local government

chapter 8|29 pages

Foreign policy

chapter 9|27 pages

The legal system

chapter 10|28 pages

The economy

chapter 11|25 pages

Social services

chapter 12|27 pages

Education

chapter 13|29 pages

The media

chapter 14|29 pages

Arts, sports and leisure cultures