A text presenting the multifaceted nature of current U.S. society that will broaden students’ knowledge and boost their reading comprehension skills.

While presenting a fascinating look at the diversity of contemporary America, this text will develop overall comprehension abilities with stress on reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. Topics, which include people, geography, business, entertainment and culture, have been specially chosen to appeal to students’ interests. Historical background is provided to cast contemporary issues in a clearer light, and provide a stimulus to further reading.

Contents

Angelina Jolie’s Many Faces / The Rise of the Megachurches / The Dream of a Colorblind America / America: A Bilingual Country? / Steve Jobs’ Legacy / Disney and Marvel: The Little Mermaid Meets the Incredible Hulk / The Appeal of Aloha / New York City: Tragedy, Energy, and Optimism / Los Angeles: America’s Most Creative City / The Grand Canyon: Conservation vs. Development / Starbucks: The Third Place / Hip Hop: From the Ghetto to the Mainstream / Amazon.com / College Sports: Multi-billion Dollar Amateurs / Facebook: An Almost-Global Phenomenon (Total 15 units)