America at Odds: The Essentials (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) - Softcover

Henschen, Beth; Sidlow, Edward I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0534621007 ISBN 13: 9780534621001

Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing, 2003

Synopsis

Known for its provocative and engaging issues approach and topical organization, AMERICA AT ODDS explores the current conflicts that truly define America as a nation while involving students in discussion and debate. The engaging content and pedagogical features throughout AMERICA AT ODDS support two main goals of the text: to make students genuinely passionate about learning the ins and outs of American politics and government, and to encourage them to think about the ways their lives are affected by decisions made in the political arena. In every chapter of the text, the foundations and systems of political history, behavior, institutions, and policy are presented within the framework of issues oriented debate, making AMERICA AT ODDS truly unique as an approach to teaching the Introduction to American Government course.

About this title

About the Author:

Beth Henschen received her Ph.D. from the Ohio State University, and was a faculty member in the departments of political science at Purdue University and Loyola University Chicago before joining the faculty at Eastern Michigan University. She teaches courses in American government, judicial politics, and civil rights and liberties, and has been the recipient of several awards for teaching excellence. Her articles have appeared in numerous professional journals, including the American Political Science Review, American Politics Quarterly, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Judicature, Policy Studies Review, and Political Research Quarterly.

Review:

"One of the most attractive things about the book is that it focuses on the conflictual nature of politics in a democracy. This focus makes the book more dynamic (American government isn't just a sterile description of formal institutions), and it sends an important message to students. Many students get turned off to politics because they see politicians engaged in what seems like pointless arguing, instead of looking out for the "common good." I want them to understand that conflict is natural in a democracy, that it is a healthy thing. The theme of the book fits perfectly with what I want to emphasize to my students."

"I would describe America at Odds as a comprehensive, yet concise look at the fundamentals of American Government. The exceptional features of the book are its opening vignettes in pro-con format and its focus on the centrality of conflict in American politics."

"The various vignettes in each chapter (Where Do You Stand?, Why Does It Matter?, Perception vs. Reality, and American and Comparative Political Perspectives) are outstanding ways of connecting the principles discussed in the chapters with "real work," current issues."

"The three strengths of the book are its web-friendliness (not only are there several web sites for students to conduct research with, but the "Where Do You Stand?" questions that appear at the beginning of each chapter are excellent to use for on-line discussions), the use of examples, and the available ancillaries. The test bank is excellent."

About this edition

• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0534621007
• ISBN 13: 9780534621001
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 368