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American Civilization
American Civilization is a comprehensive introduction to contemporary American life. It examines the key institutions of American society, including state and local government, geography, education, law, media and culture. This completely updated edition includes new figures and illustrations, coverage of Clinton's elections and the inauguration of his second administration. It
* coverage of all core American Studies topics at introductory level
* vital historical context for America in the 1990s and its place in the world
* an analysis of gender, class and race and the diverse population
* striking and useful illustrations, questions and terms for discussion
American Civilization discusses the nature of American social structures, their evolution over time through an on-going social debate and their relation to the diverse complexity of the United States' physical landscape. It is a vital introduction to the crucial and complex identities of America.
* coverage of all core American Studies topics at introductory level
* vital historical context for America in the 1990s and its place in the world
* an analysis of gender, class and race and the diverse population
* striking and useful illustrations, questions and terms for discussion
American Civilization discusses the nature of American social structures, their evolution over time through an on-going social debate and their relation to the diverse complexity of the United States' physical landscape. It is a vital introduction to the crucial and complex identities of America.
464 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 3, 2025
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
Adam du weißt nicht was morgen auf dich zukommt 😈😈😈 ich könnte jetzt einen Einbürgerungstest bestehen eazzz
September 8, 2022
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.
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.
October 11, 2011
Wish there was a rating option of "I don't have an opinion." It was a textbook, not abysmal, not fantastic.
April 28, 2014
Alright for info, way too biased, should scrap all the New York Times type of ideology, specially when commenting on other centuries...
April 29, 2025
as an english major, this book should be classified as horror
November 15, 2020
"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.
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.
June 25, 2009
I actually had an exam with this book as an obligatory reference. Loved my Uni professor as well, she was challenging.
November 10, 2011
Very interesting introduction to American civilization. Sometimes a bit factual, but over all very useful.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews