Thoroughly revised, this fourth edition of a hugely successful text provides students of American studies with the perfect background and introductory information on contemporary American life. This fourth edition covers all the central dimensions of American society from geography and the environment, government and politics, to religion, education, media and the arts. American Civilization: covers all core American studies topics at introductory level contains essential historical background for American studies students at the start of the twenty-first century analyzes gender, class and race, and America's cosmopolitan population contains photos, case studies, questions and terms for discussion, and suggests websites for further research. With new illustrations and case studies, this edition of American Civilization also examines the second Gulf War, the War on Terror and the 2004 presidential election.