American Civilization: An Introduction

by David C. Mauk

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. Emphasis is placed on the people of America, including minorities and issues of gender. It covers the whole range of topics taught at first year level, focused by careful, progressive structure. It is illustrated with pertinent and striking images and uses accessible and clear language. This textbook discusses the nature of American social institutions, their evolution over time through an on-going social debate over public and private needs and rights, the relation of institutions to the diverse complexity of the United States' physical landscape and population groups, and the nation's place in the world. Establishing clearly the facts and diversity of modern American life within an historical context, American Civilization offers an introduction to the complex identities of America.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference, School

428 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1995

Reviews

[Carina · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[lookingformanon · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[FrihetiGud · Rating 1 out of 5]

"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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Marlies · Rating 3 out of 5]

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