American Ways: An Introduction to American Culture

I used this book recently teaching an advanced ESL class, and I found it as interesting for me as it was for the students. The chapters are organized around a set of principles that, in the authors' view, define American society and culture, and it's written specifically for foreign born residents of the US. Among the subjects treated are religion in the US, American business, the West and the frontier tradition, race, families, the legal system, etc. It was fascinating for me to read along with my students from a fresh perspective. An American might argue with the nuances--is there really a "national religion" of belief in God and patriotism, for example? I'm not sure I'd call it that, but that's only a detail. I can even see this book being used in a high school history course--I thought the explanations of the links between history and culture were fascinating. Highly recommended.

This book is absolutely recommended for new immigrants to the US. It requires an advanced level of English proficiency. It gives the reader an idea why Americans behave the way they do. It's a sociology textbook.

It's Simple, easy, and clear~! For the foreign students who want to study American culture and values, it's the best choice. Particulary, Ameriacan beliefs and values and American Government and Politics are recommendabe parts of this book. It was very useful for a text material of the cousework such as "Anglo-Amirian Culture and History", or "Understandin American History". Highly recommended~!!! Scarlet

This is an excellent introduction to American culture, and easy enough to read to be used with foreign students. The follow-up and supplementary exercises and suggestions at the end of each chapter are particularly helpful. I only wish I had enough time to use more of them.

The American Ways is an easy to read, well-organized, comprehensive book discussing how the U.S. developed its value system. It builds from the history behind the values to how these values are exhibited in today's political system, religion, ethnic assimilation, business, home and family life, education, sports, and leisure time. The reader can easily understand or recognize the value placed on activities in these various areas of American life, both in the past and present. Excellent references and exercises accompany each chapter. I have used it with many newcomers to the U.S. and given it to many U.S. born friends. All have enthused over its thought-provoking content. I highly recommend for anyone who wishes to develop a deeper understanding of our great country and all we have to be thankful for.