American Civilization: An Introduction

by David C. Mauk, John Oakland

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 : 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/978041548... to discover more.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference, School, Geography

424 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1995

Reviews

[Carina]

Jemand der hamilton auswendig kann sollte aus Prinzip eine 1 und eine GreenCard bekommen (ich)
Adam du weißt nicht was morgen auf dich zukommt 😈😈😈 ich könnte jetzt einen Einbürgerungstest bestehen eazzz

[BrittIsReading]

I would give this zero stars if I could.
a mountain of Polls taken that don't amount to anything which really broke the flow of this already - let's be honest - very poorly written schoolbook.
it's incredibly biased and promoted American superiority all the time. Things that are regular fair in other parts of the world are described as 'distinctively American' which is NOT the case at all. it credits itself to inventions of entertainment styles when in reality they are entirely based on European styles that already existed.
furthermore it shows an unrealistic picture of american culture as it stands today. it maintains that sexism and racism have decreased significantly, only with some incidents here and there.... Take 1 look at the media and you know that's not true *cough* Roe V Wade *cough*
This book tries to boost the 'superiority' of America, when almost all the world can agree this couldn't be further from reality. This book is a prime example of schools and schoolbook authors claiming to be neutral when in fact, right underneath the surface, any critically thinking teenager can see how right leaning and subjective this book really is.
little note: when a so-called 'objective' schoolbook uses words like 'unfortunately', 'supposedly', 'universal' and 'neither exceptional' the book isn't objective in ANY sense of the word. it is subjective, biased and mainly displaying of option on a certain subject.

[May]

Wish there was a rating option of "I don't have an opinion." It was a textbook, not abysmal, not fantastic.

[Robert]

Alright for info, way too biased, should scrap all the New York Times type of ideology, specially when commenting on other centuries...

[lookingformanon]

as an english major, this book should be classified as horror

[FrihetiGud]

"Americans may stress their individualism, distrust of big business and big government and their desire to be free. But communalism, voluntary activities, charitable organizations and group endeavors are also a feature of US life."

These two are not contradicting each other. Only if you're a liberal author... VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES
Talk about missing the point...

"The supposedly American traits are universal characteristics, which are also present in other societies and are neither exceptional in themselves"

First of all, "supposedly", "universal" and "neither exceptional". Talk about being biased. And secondly, those traits are not universal in the world, i.e. Europe where societies are rooted in the idea of the welfare state and collectivism.

[Jana]

I actually had an exam with this book as an obligatory reference. Loved my Uni professor as well, she was challenging.

[Marlies]

Very interesting introduction to American civilization. Sometimes a bit factual, but over all very useful.