Introduction to American Studies ・アメリカ研究入門
A Survey of the Cultural History of the United States
(1) Write an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement.
(2) Write a conclusion paragraph. Remember to repeat the thesis and summarize the main points before giving a brief comment.
(3) You pick up the Background paragraphs at my office (Building 14, room 224) on Tuesday afternoon.
We will hold a make-up class in the 5th period on July 19th in room 541.
Downloads:
Essay Structure Worksheet (PDF 21 KB)
Introduction Worksheet (PDF 72 KB)
Conclusion Worksheet (PDF 73 KB)
http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/nineties-seinfeld-grunge-genome-simpsons/1489186.html
(1) Do research in English on your topic. Read for information, vocabulary and useful expressions.
(2) Write one BODY paragraph of Background (about life and career). See the handout below for an example Background paragraph.
(3) Bring a typed or handwritten copy of the paragraph to class next time. Also, bring your research notes and papers to class next time.
(4) Choose ONE reading test to re-write. You can pick up the last test at my office on Tuesday afternoon (Building 14, room 224).
Downloads:
Example Body Paragraphs (PDF 66 KB)
Essay Structure Note Paper (PDF 21 KB)
This program deals with the assigned reading from your textbook, Chapter Thirty-Two: An End to Cold War? The program will highlight the most important points of the chapter, give you some advice about what to study, and provide some hints for completing the bonus question on this week’s test. This podcast was prepared by international students Casey Pritt and Katelynn Greer.
Read the model essay and begin working on an outline for your essay. Bring your materials to class next time.
See information about the essay, including additional models and advice about organization. Click on Research and Writing link above.
This program deals with the assigned reading from your textbook, chapter twenty-seven, “Black Americans.” The program will highlight the most important points of the chapter, give you some advice about what to study, and provide some hints for completing the bonus question on this week’s test.
1. Paul Robeson, 1898-1976: Singer, Actor, and Civil Rights Activist
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: In the 1930s, he was one of the best known and most widely honored black Americans. Later in his life he was condemned for supporting communism and the Soviet Union. First of two parts.From Voice of America Learning English (Script only)
2. Martin Luther King, Jr., Part 1
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: He led the protest movement to end injustice in the Montgomery, Alabama, city bus system. It marked the beginning of the civil rights movement in the United States. First part of a two-part series.From Voice of America Learning English (Audio and script)
3. Nina Simone, 1933-2003: Singer was Active in the Civil Rights Movement
Simone wrote the song “Young, Gifted and Black.”From Voice of America Learning English (Audio and script)
This program deals with the assigned reading from your textbook, Chapter Twenty-Eight: Cold War and Korea. The program will highlight the most important points of the chapter, give you some advice about what to study, and provide some hints for completing the bonus question on this week’s test.
1. After World War Two, US Reacts to ‘Iron Curtain’ Across Europe
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: The goal was to stop Soviet aggression anywhere in the world. Truman was willing to use military force, but considered it equally important to build up western European nations to defend themselves.From Voice of America Learning English (script only)
2. American History: The Cold War
The Cold War got its name because both sides were afraid of fighting each other directly.From Voice of America Learning English (audio and script)
3. American History: The Space Race
The world’s first satellite was called Sputnik 1. Sputnik was an important propaganda victory for the Soviets in the Cold War with the United States.From Voice of America Learning English (audio and script)
This program deals with the assigned reading from your textbook, chapter twenty-three: “Crash and Depression.” The program will highlight the most important points of the chapter, give you some advice about what to study, and provide some hints for completing the bonus question on this week’s test.
1. The Great Depression: Fear Took Hold as an Economy Came Apart
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Following the stock market crash of 1929, a large part of the richest nation on earth learned what it meant to be poor. Thousands lost their homes. Millions lost their jobs.From Voice of America Learning English (script only)
2. From Great Depression’s Depths, Creativity Reached New Heights
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Hard times have always offered a rich source of material for artists. For example, the most popular sound in America in the 1930s was a new kind of music — swing.From Voice of America Learning English (audio and script)
3. Similarities, but also Big Differences, between Today’s Crisis and 1930s
This downturn is bad, but rates of unemployment and bank failures do not compare to the Great Depression.From Voice of America Learning English (audio and script)
This program deals with the assigned reading from your textbook, chapter sixteen: “The American Indians’ Last Stand.” The program will highlight the most important points of the chapter, give you some advice about what to study, and provide some hints for completing the bonus question on this week’s test.
1. Native Americans Fight Two Wars Over Land Rights
General George Custer and all 200 Army soldiers under his leadership were killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn. It was the worst defeat for the American Army in 100 years.From Voice of America Learning English (Script only)
2. American History Series: Indian Wars
The Sioux Indian fighter Rain-in-the-Face was one of the most feared and respected Native American warriors of the late 19th century. Some say he killed General George Custer.From Voice of America Learning English (Audio and script)
This program deals with the assigned reading from your textbook, chapter thirteen: “Reconstruction.” The program will highlight the most important points of the chapter, give you some advice about what to study, and provide some hints for completing the bonus question on the test.
1. Reconstruction: After the Civil War, the American South Rebuilds
This period in United States history was marked by several incidents involving violations of the public trust. But, at the same time, historic changes were made to the Constitution.From Voice of America Learning English (script only)
2. American History Series: President Lincoln is Shot at Ford’s Theater
Lincoln was murdered less than a week after the North’s victory in the Civil War.From Voice of America Learning English (audio and script)
3. American History Series: Rebuilding the South
Radical Republicans sent their supporters from the North to organize southern blacks for their party. Southern whites had a name for them: ”carpetbaggers.”From Voice of America Learning English (audio and script)