Course : An Introduction to American Studies

Instruction for exam preparation

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Chapter 1 : A brief history

1. From colony to revolution

Main points to remember :

English beginnings in America : the time, the number of states.

The American Revolution: the reasons, actions of both sides, main battles, the Declaration of
Independence.

Explain :
City upon a hill
Tea act
Boston tea party

Topics for discussion :

The American Revolution: significance

2. Slavery and the Civil War

Main points to remember :

The time when the first slaves were brought to America
The conflicts caused by slavery in the US
Abaham Lincoln and slavery issues
The civil wars : opinions of both sides, the result.

Explain :
The Missouri Compromise (1820)
The Compromise of 1850
The Confederate army
The Union army

Topics for discussion :

“Was the war only about slavery?”
“What evidences have helped you to see both sides of the economic dilemma going on during
the Civil War?”

3. The late 19th century

Main points to remember :

The development of the US industry in this period

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4. War and Peace

Main points to remember :

WW1 : the time, the US’s position, the happenings and result.
The domestic affairs of the US : social problems and economic achievements.
Explain :
The progressive movement
KKK
Roaring Twenties
Henry Ford

5. The great Depression

Main points to remember : the time and the consequences.

Explain :
Roosevelt’s New Deal

6. WWII and the Cold War

Main points to remember :

The time, the US’s position, the happenings and result.
The social problems of the US and Viet Nam war

Explain :

NATO
The Watergate incidence
Berlin Wall

Topics for discussion :

The role of the US in the cold war : your opinion

Chapter 2 : A Nation of Immigrants

Main points to remember :

Different waves of immigrants : the time, the people, and the reasons.
The American policies of immigration.
Indian Americans : their population and their problems - past and present.
Identity crisis : the reasons and the consequences

Explain :
Nativist sentiment
Assimilation process
WASPs
Melting pot
Salad bowl
Multiculturalism

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Topics for discussion :
What do you think of the issue of immigration in the US in this globalization era?

Chapter 3 : American Ideals and Values

Main points to remember :
American Dream and six traditional American values: the history, the meaning, and the
influence.

Explain :
Psychology of abundance
Volunteerism
mobility

Topics for discussion :

American Dream and six traditional American values : ideal and reality

Chapter 4 : The U.S. Economy

Main points to remember :

Adam Smith, the role of government, family income, the US favorable conditions,
achievements and problems, the characteristics of American business

Explain :

Budget deficit
Trade deficit
Productivity
Entrepreneurs
Organization man/woman

Topics for discussion :

Trade deficit : problems and possible solutions
The U.S. economic role in the global context.

Chapter 5 : The politics

Main points to remember :

Form and structure of government, the functions of each branch and the roles of people in
charge in each branch.
Political party system: characteristics and roles of political parties.
Election system
Political participation: How

Explain :
Checks and balances
Separation of powers
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 A limited government
Interest groups
Lobbyists
Winner – take – all election system
The electoral college
How a bill becomes a law

Topics for discussion :

A limited goverment and traditional American values

Chapter 6 : The U.S. Education

Main points to remember :

General overview : school system, curriculum, administration, funding, courses and subjects,
extra-activities, achievements and problems.

Explain :

Desegregation in the US education

Bussing in the US education
Decentralized
Affirmative action

Topics for discussion :

American education and traditional American values

By : ng Ng c Sinh