美国社会与文化笔记归纳
当代美国的社会和文化
当代美国的社会和文化——谭钰两万年前，有一批来自亚洲的流浪者，经由北美到中南美洲，这些就是印第安人的祖先。
这就是早期的美国人。
当哥伦布踏上这片略带神秘的大洲时，就注定会诞生一个奇迹——美国。
美国的历史是一段屈辱史。
在被英国的殖民统治期间，美国人民可谓生活在水生火热之中，当在波士顿附近的列克星敦和康科德，殖民地的爱国者打响了反抗的枪声，揭开了独立战争的序幕。
随着独立宣言的通过，宣布美国的正式独立。
这跟我国的历史多少有些相似。
同时美国的强大又是血腥的。
贩卖黑人，南北战争，林肯废除黑奴制，第一、二次世界大战，甚至中国的淘金热……有多少的无辜的人在这其中丧命。
这就注定了美国的社会是一个多元化的大熔炉。
美国的社会体制跟我国的截然不同。
毕竟作为一个资本主义国家，在社会管理方面与我国差异很大。
美国的社会管理主要的特点可分为以下几点：（一）社会发展支出占公共支出的比重巨大，广开社会经济发展来源。
有数据显示，2003年，四口之家，日收入在18.810或低于这个数字的被认为是美国的贫困家庭。
为了应对贫困，联邦政府所有的福利项目——包括社会保障、卫生、各种福利项目——几乎占据其政府财政开支的一半。
自从奥巴马上台，也大量推行社会保障策略。
所以说美国社会比较注重社会的发展支出。
这点是我们值得学习的。
（二）以社会需求和解决问题为向导，实现社会服务社会化简而说就是，在许多其他由政府提供的服务，在美国却由非营利组织和私人提供。
并且美国非营利组织的特点是，正式组织的、独立于政府之外、非营利、自律、志愿性。
再者覆盖面广，包括有：文化、艺术、娱乐、教育、研究、卫生、医院、托老院、托儿所以及其他卫生机构；社会服务，残疾人救济、难民救济、环境保护和动物保护；经济、社会和社区发展；住宅、就业和就业培训；公民倡导组织；法律服务、慈善、宗教组织、专业或行业组织，等等。
（三）完善法律，对非营利组织者进行分类管理。
具体可说为，尽非营利组织在美国的规模很大，经济价值很高，但是美国有关非营利组织的法律和政府机构并不多。
33c美国社会与文化
华东师范大学本科专业课程大纲课程名称：美国社会与文化（American Society and Culture）一、课程目的、任务：传授美国社会与文化的相关知识和国内外最新研究成果，提高学生英语听、说、写和阅读专业书籍的能力，增进学生专业学习的兴趣和内容，使之更好地成为适应21世纪需求的人才，为他们日后进一步深造和就业打下一定基础。
二、课程内容：课程涉及美利坚合众国历史进程和社会现实的方方面面，包括美国自然环境、民族、历史、政治、宗教、教育、文学、传媒、社会福利、交通、妇女、体育、休闲等诸多方面，既有历史渊源回顾与探析，也有客观情况介绍、剖析与评说。
三、教学方式、实践环节的特色：不仅教师全部用英语授课和版书，而且要求学生用英语完成作业，积极参加课堂讨论，同时采用多媒体教学手段，对美国社会和文化进行客观、公允、详尽的论说和分析，以期达到更好的教学效果。
四、教材及参考书目：教材：Douglas K. Stevenson, American Life and Institutions, Ernst Klett Verlag, 1992.参考书目：1. Luther S. Luedtke, Making America: The Society and Culture of the United States, The University of North Carolina Press, 1992.2. Ronald Takaki, A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America, Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1993.3. 王恩铭编：American Culture and Society （《美国文化与社会》）上海外语教育出版社2003年版。
五、考核方式与评价结构比例：平时成绩占40％，采用课堂提问、作业等形式进行；期末完成一篇小论文，考试成绩占60％。
美国社会与文化笔记
Why America?1. 美国在当今世界有极大的影响力，美国文化影响全球、影响中国。
2. 美国社会制度与文化价值很有特点，有的地方是值得我们学习的，有的地方必须批判。
第一讲美国地理与历史概况美国的地理特征:得天独厚，但又充满挑战（一）优势1、位置分离主义者（Separatists）的隐居之地，犹如世外桃源。
世界主义者（Cosmopolitans）的世界通衢。
2、气候适宜；3、幅员广阔；4、资源丰富(二) 劣势1、新格兰（New England）：（1）Storm；（2）Stony soil2、南方（Virginia and the Carolinas）：“dismal swamps”3、内地（The Interior）4、大平原与太平洋沿岸（The Great Plains and the Pacific Basins）（1）干旱（drought）(2)Earthquake.The Northridge earthquake occurred on January 17, 1994 at 4:31 AM Pacific Standard Time in Reseda, a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, California. The earthquake had a "strong" moment magnitude of 6.7, but the ground acceleration was the highest ever instrumentally recorded in an urban area in North America. Seventy-two people died as a result of the earthquake with more than 12,000 injured. In addition, the earthquake caused an estimated $12.5 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.(3) 洪水（Flooding）(4) 森林大火（Wildfires）The Yellowstone fires of 1988 together formed the largest wildfire in the recorded history of Yellowstone National Park, United States. Starting as many smaller individual fires, the flames spread quickly out of control with increasing winds and drought and combined into one large conflagration, which burned for several months. The fires almost destroyed two major visitor destinations and, on September 8, 1988, the entire park was closed to all non emergency personnel for the first time in its history. Only the arrival of cool and moist weather in the late fall brought the fires to an end. A total of 793,880 acres (3,213 km2), or roughly 36 percent of the park was affected by the wildfires.（二）五大地区1. The Industrialized Northeast and North-Central Region(1) ScopeAs defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, it covers nine states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.The Northeast is the richest region of the United States, including four states with the highest median household income: Maryland (1st), New Jersey (2nd), Connecticut (3rd), and Massachusetts (5th)The nation's permanent manufacturing belt; a large consumer market.Dense urban population; admixture of races; good skills2. The South(1) A geographic and cultural concept: the Atlantic and Gulf PlainAs defined by the United States Census Bureau, the Southern region of the United States includes 16 states and the District of Columbia (with a total 2006 estimated population of 109,083,752.) Thirty-six percent of all U.S. residents lived in the South, the nation's most populous region.The South Atlantic States: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and DelawareThe East South Central States: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee The West South Central States: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and TexasDeep SouthThe Southern Coastland(3) Some other central featuresI. Deep South: large numbers of African AmericansII. Concentration of Hispanics in Florida, New Mexico and TexasIII. Homogeneity of Anglo-Americans3. The Agricultural Midwest(1) ScopeIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. A 2006 Census Bureau estimate put the population at 66,217,736.II. RiversBrought together by three great rivers: the Ohio, Missouri, and MIssissipiIII. Agriculture and trade the chief occupationsCorn belt: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin4. The Moutain West(1) The Scope:Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and NevadaThe Great Plains and the Intermountain plateaus and basinsThe Rocky Mountain, the Cascade Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.(2) Common traitsI. AridityII. Dry farming, irrigation, and ranchingLake MeadThe lake was named after Elwood Mead, who was commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 to 1936 during the planning and construction of the Boulder Canyon Project that created the dam and lake.Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the United States. It is located on the Colorado River about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, in the states of Nevada and Arizona. Formed by water impounded by Hoover Dam, it extends 110 mi (180 km) behind the dam, holding approximately 28.5 million acre feet (35 km³) of water. The water held in Lake Mead is released to communities in Southern California and Nevada, via aqueducts.III. Low population, largely rural, homogeneous, mainly from the South and Midwest5. The Far West(1) ScopeWashington, Oregon, CaliforniaII. Upland and plain in close juxtaposition, bringing mining, forestry, ranching and farming togetherIII. Mild climate of Oregon and sunny climate of California affording more comfort than anywhere in the United States (excluding Florida)Crater Lake, OregonIV. Economic diversity: mining, farming, forestry, ranching, computer industry, airplaneV. Renowned educational institutionsUC Berkeley；Stanford University美国历史概况前殖民地时期殖民地时期1、西班牙殖民地The Spanish sent some settlers, creating the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States at St. Augustine, Florida in 1565. Later Spanish settlements included Santa Fe, San Antonio, Tucson, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Most Spanish settlements were along the California coast or the Santa Fe River in New Mexico.2、法国殖民地The territory of New France extended from Newfoundland to the Rocky Mountains and from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. The territory was divided in five colonies, each with its own administration: Canada, Acadia, Hudson Bay, Newfoundland and Louisiana.英国殖民地：十三个殖民地建国（1776－1789）The thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule in 1775 and proclaimed their independence in 1776.西进（1789－1849）内战（1849－1865）重建与工业化（1865－1890）进步主义、帝国主义、一战（1890－1918）战后与大萧条（1918－1940）二战（1940－1945）冷战开始与民权运动（1945－1964）冷战（1964－1980）冷战结束（1980－1991）1991－至今At the beginning of the new millennium, the United States found itself attacked by Islamic terrorism, with the September 11, 2001 attacks in which 19 extremists hijacked four transcontinental airliners and intentionally crashed two of them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon.As of 2008, debates continue over abortion, gun control, same-sex marriage, immigration reform, and the ongoing war in Iraq. A new Congressional majority promised to withdraw US forces from Iraq, however Congress continues to fund efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In the area of foreign policy, the U.S. maintains ongoing talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, as well as with Israel and the Palestinian Authority over a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the Palestinian-Israeli talks began in 2007, an effort spearheaded by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.第二章美国人之一：欧裔美国人一、美国移民状况简介（一）历史上的移民数量In the last four centuries, 55 million people have immigrated to this country. As of now, the United States admits more immigrants than all the other industrialized countries combined. In the late 1990s, it was estimated that about one million legal immigrants, plus additional 500,000 illegal immigrants, arrived in the United States every year. (ACS 22)（二）不同时代的移民当今美国种族构成（American Racial Makeup）Based on a population clock maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau, the current U.S. population, as of 5:20 GMT (EST+5) August 14, 2008 is 304,865,1082000 Census 2006Race Number Percentage Percentage In total 281,421,906 100?Hispanic/Latino 35.3 million 13 14.8White 211.4 million 75.1 76Black 34.6 million 12.3 12.4Asian 10.2 million 3.6 13.1, 4.4% American Indian and2.4 million 0.9 2.4, 0.8% Alaska Natives0.4 million 0.1 0.4, 0.14% Native Hawaiians andother Pacific IslandersOther races 15.3 million 5.5 6.4%Two or more races 6.8 million 2.4 6.1，2.0% 二、最初二百年的欧洲来客 The Early Immigrants, 1600-1800（一）哥伦布“发现”美洲Christopher Columbus 的四次航行The First Voyage (1492-1493);The Second Voyage (1493-1496); The Third Voyage (1498-1500); The Fourth Voyage (1502-1504)（二）地理大发现的历史背景1、十字军东征和征服世界的思想与中国的比较Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government sponsored a series of seven naval expeditions. Emperor Yongle designed them to establish a Chinese presence, impose imperial control over trade, and impress foreign peoples in the Indian Ocean basin. He also might have wanted to extend the tributary system, by which Chinese dynasties traditionally recognized foreign peoples.中国人的德化思想2、文艺复兴和科学技术进步The Renaissance3、封建主义的衰落和商业的兴起 The Decline of Feudalism and Growth of Trade艰难的航行Journey of Hardships1、Financial Cost；2、Dismal Living Conditions：Overcrowding，Diseases，HungerA 1752 voyage3、缘何背井离乡？Why Did They Go?(1) Economic Difficulty；(2) Religious Persecution；(3) Political Suppression （四）各国的殖民地（五）The English 来自英伦三岛的移民1、新英格兰：清教徒的社会清教思想 Puritan Ideology对彼岸世界的向往；强调真实的“重生”的宗教体验；强调与上帝的直接交流；严谨的生活方式；强调现实的成就；尊重法律和契约；重视教育（2）发展教育；（3）民主的制度2、大西洋中部沿海殖民地:（1）实践宗教自由；（2）多元的异质的社会和文化3、南部的殖民地 Colonies in the South（1）向往希腊贵族的生活；（2）为追求财富而远渡重洋；（3）严格的社会等级制度三、The Old Immigrants, 1800-1880 十九世纪的“老移民”（一）迁移的原因 Reasons for Emigration工业化带来的贫困 Industrialization and Poverty2、人口增长和外迁限制的解除Population Growth and the Relaxation of Emigration Restrictions3、宗教迫害Intensified Religious Persecution交通工具的改进Transportation Revolution（二）四个主要民族群体 Four main groups1、The Irish 饥寒交迫的爱尔兰人: The Great Famine 大饥荒2、人数最多的德国人The Germans: The largest group3、英国人The English;4、北欧人 The Scandinavians（1）Religious Persecution;（2）Conscription Laws;（3）No Universal Suffrage （4）Rigid Class System四、The New Immigrants, 1880-1920 世纪之交的新移民（一）移民主体 Major GroupsFrom southern and eastern Europe: Italy, Russia, Austro-Hungarian Empire,Baltic CountriesFrom 1881 to 1910, 3 million Italians sailed for the United States.（二）Slowing Down of ImmigrationThe Immigration Act of 1924, or Johnson-Reed Act, including the National Origins Act, Asian Exclusion Act, was a United States federal law that limited the number of immigrants who could be admitted from any country to 2% of the number of people from that country who were already living in the United States in 1890, according to the Census of 1890. It excluded immigration of Asians. It superseded the 1921 Emergency Quota Act. The law was aimed at furtherrestricting the Southern and Eastern Europeans who were immigrating in large numbers starting in the 1890s, as well as prohibiting the immigration of East Asians and Asian Indians.（三）迁移原因：家乡经济的衰落Depression in the home country.They lived in houses of straw or even in rock caves. "We would have eaten each other had we stayed", some immigrants said (ACS 37).四、移民精神：勇敢无畏；开拓进取；追求光明与幸福建造“山颠之城”（City Upon the Hill）我们为了美好的未来，要舍弃过去，开拓未来！第三章美国人之二：非洲移民African Americans一、奴隶贸易（一）欧洲种植园的兴起1、蔗糖之发现；2、蔗糖种植业与奴隶劳动之使用；3、种植园的扩张（二）跨大西洋奴隶贸易；（三）美国的种植园与奴隶；（四）奴隶贸易的禁止Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807. The United States did son in 1808. Cuba was the last to outlaw slavery, in 1888.二、美国国内的废奴运动（二）废奴运动中的著名人物Personalities in the Abolitionist Movement1. “地下铁路”的向导－塔布曼；2. “我也要自由”－斯格特；3. 布朗During the Kansas campaign he killed five pro-slavery southerners in what became known as the Pottawatomie Massacre in May 1856, in response to the raid of the "free soil" city of Lawrence. Brown's most famous deed was the 1859 raid he led on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (in modern-day West Virginia).（三）奴隶制度的废除Lincoln issued his final Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.That on the first day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any state, or designated part of a state, the people whereof thenceforward, and forever free; and the executive government of the United States [including the military and naval authority thereof] will, during the continuance in office of the presentincumbents, recognize [and maintain the freedom of] such persons, as being free, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.向往自由，获得自由......三、内战后南方种族状况（一）经济上的佃农制（crop-sharing）Sharecrop farmers were loaned a plot of land to work, and in exchange owed the owner a share of the crop at the end of the season.（二）政治上限制黑人的选举权；（三）社会交往中的隔离制；（四）私刑制 (lynching) 四、黑人的回应（一）Booker T. Washington: From slave to university presidentHe was freed from slavery as a child, gained an education, and as a young man was appointed to lead Tuskegee Institute, then a teachers' college for blacks. From 1895-1915 he was said to be the most powerful African-American man in the nation.（二）民权运动 Civil Rights Movement1. 民权运动的组织：NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) 主张积极地争取权利2. 美国最高法院的判决The Supreme Court in 1954 declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.3. 民间自发运动1955 Montgomery bus boycott4. 全国学生运动：反对隔离5. Martin Luther King: A True American Hero（1）Martin Luther King 在美国和世界的影响（2）Main ActivitiesMontgomery Bus Boycott, 1955Southern Christian Leadership ConferencePoor People's Campaign, 1968Assassination(3) The Ideas of Dr. Martin Luther KingB. The concept of “somebodiness”"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. you only need a heart full of grace. asoul generated by love."C. Nonviolence and LoveI believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphantD. FearlessnessIf a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.(4) 我有一个梦想（三）民权运动的成就1964 Civil Rights ActThe act outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, not only in public accommodation, but also in employment. An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was established to investigate and judge complaints of job discrimination. The act also authorized the government to withhold funds from public agencies that discriminated on the basis of race, and it empowered the attorney general to guarantee voting rights and end school segregation. (ACS 86)1965 Voting Rights ActIt empowered the attorney general to supervise voter registration in areas where fewer than half the minority residents of voting age were registered. (ACS 86)五、黑人状况的改善（一）Desegregation 去除种族隔离我们终于一起上学了！（二）黑人地位的提高Democratic presidential candidate Obama.Condoleezza RiceGeneral Colin L. Powell六、黑人崛起任重道远（一）较低的社会经济地位1、经济In 1999, the median income of African-American families was $33,255 compared to $53,356 of European Americans. Nationwide, the September 2004 unemployment rate for blacks was 10.3%, while their white counterparts were unemployed at the rate of 4.7%.Half the whites live in the suburbs, only a fourth of the blacks do so.Over 40% of all black children live in poverty.2、政治；3、生活（二）一些错误观念1、依赖思想；2、受害者情结；3、家庭伦理松弛第四章华裔一、简史（一）－1850The first Chinese immigrants arrived in 1820 according to U.S. government records. Fewer than 1,000 are known to have arrived before the 1848 California Gold Rush.（二）1850－1880There were 25,000 immigrants by 1852, and 105,465 by 1880, most of whom lived on the West Coast. Most of the early immigrants were young males with low educational levels from the Guangdong province.（三）1880－1965As a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the inflow of Chinese immigrants was drastically curtailed, down to less than 1,000. (ACS 69).The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed by the 1943 Magnuson Act, which permitted Chinese nationals already residing in the country to become naturalized citizens. It also allowed a national quota of 105 Chinese immigrants per year, although large scale Chinese immigration did not occur until the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965.（四）1965－Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national-origin quotas that had been in place in the United States since the Immigration Act of 1924. An annual limitation of 170,000 visas was established for immigrants from Eastern Hemisphere countries with no more than 20,000 per country. By 1968, the annual limitation from the Western Hemisphere was set at 120,000 immigrants, with visas available on a first-come, first-served basis.During the 1970's, the vast majority of ethnic Chinese immigration into the United States was from Hong Kong and followed by the Republic of China on Taiwan. During the 1980's, in part due to the liberalization of emigration restrictions in the mid-1970s, immigration from the mainland China became a larger fraction of ethnic Chinese immigration into the United States.二、The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act1、国会通过排华法案The Chinese Exclusion Act excluded Chinese "skilled and unskilled laborers and Chinese employed in mining" from entering the country for ten years under penalty of imprisonment and deportation. The few Chinese non-laborers who wished to immigrate had to obtain certification from the Chinese government. Any Chinese who left the United States had to obtain certifications for reentry The Act made Chinese immigrants permanent aliens by excluding them from U.S. citizenship. Amendments made in 1884 tightened the provisions that allowed previous immigrants to leave and return, and clarified that the law applied to ethnic Chinese regardless of their country of origin. The Act was renewed for ten years by the 1892 Geary Act, and again with no terminal date in 1902. The Act's 1902 extension also required "each Chinese resident to register and obtain a certificate of residence. Without a certificate, he or she faced deportation."2、原因（1）经济竞争Report of the Joint Special Committee to Investigate Chinese Immigration says, "This evidence shows that the Chinese have reduced wages to what would be starvation prices for white men and women, and engrossed so much of the labor in the various callings that there is lack of employment for whites."（2）文化差异Non-Christian, "strangers from a different shore"（3）自身的弱点Political Indifference and bad social customs鸦片、妓院、赌博、裹足等（4）十九世纪下半叶美国种族歧视加重三、如何面对歧视（一）不必害怕、不必抱怨（二）为其他种族的成就而高兴（三）积极贡献于当地社会（四）运用法律武器保护自己的权益四、华人对美国社会的贡献（一）Laundry（二）Building Western half of the Transcontinental railroad（三）Building levees in the Sacramento River Delta（四）Developing and cultivating much of the Western US farmland（五）Recent technological developments and other areas五、Tien Chang-lin and Elaine ChaoChapter 5 American Politics美国政治一、美国宪法（一）美国的自由宪章Charter of Freedom （自由宪章）：独立宣言、宪法、权利法案（二）美国宪法的原则1、Rule by Law 法治(No person) shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, withoutjust compensation. (The Fifth Amendment)2、Popular Sovereignty 主权在民《独立宣言》中称：We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.3、Separation of Powers 三权分立4、Judicial Review 司法审查Judicial review in the United States refers to the power of a court to review the actions of public sector bodies in terms of their lawfulness, or to review the constitutionality of a statute or treaty, or to review an administrative regulation for consistency with either a statute, a treaty, or the Constitution itself.5、Civilian Supremacy in Military Matters 文官治军军人干政：智利、巴基斯坦6、Protection of Individual Rights 保护个人权利拥有武器的权利、免于残酷处罚的权利7、Federalism 联邦制(ACS 101)Three kinds of government(1) Unitary System 中央集权制(2) Confederate System 邦联制Confederation: The common central agency in a confederation may discuss and advise separate matters, but it has no meaningful power. Instead, each member retains ultimate governmental authority. (ACS)(3) Federal System 联邦制A compromise between unitary and confederate political organization. There is a division of political authority. There are certain powers that both levels have. The two can cooperate, for example through grants-in-aid. (ACS)（三）权利法案的十项权利First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petitionCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, orof the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.Second Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms.A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arisingin the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offenceto be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be takenfor public use, without just compensation.Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and rights of the accused; Confrontation Clause, speedy trial, public trial, right to counselIn all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previouslyascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights.The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people.The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.二、总统（一）总统的职权1、国家元首Head of the state2、行政长官Chief executiveHe is responsible for taking care that the laws are faithfully executed, preparing the annual budget, setting rules for the civil service, encouraging efficient administrative practices, seeing that honesty, efficiency, loyalty, and frugality prevail throughout the administration.3、首席外交官Chief diplomatSecrecy, dispatch (快速传达), unity, continuity, and access to information4、武装部队总司令Commander in chief of the armed forces5、首席立法者Chief legislatorPresenting the annual budget, introducing and seeking passage of a legislative program, veto power, pocket veto.6、其他角色：党的领袖等Other roles: head of his political party; maintaining domestic order; responsible for the economic health, protection of the environment and energy, safeguarding the family, and strengthening education.（二）对总统权威的限制Authority restrained1. From the Congress；2. From the Supreme Court；3. From the civil society媒体、反对党、人民团体等；4. Four-year term；5. Ban on a third term；6.Qualifications of the power of the veto（三）美国的政府部门1. Agriculture；2. Commerce；3. Defense；4. Education；5. Energy；6. Health and Human Services；7. Homeland Security；8. Housing and Urban Development9. Interior；10. Justice；11. Labor；12. State；13. Transportation14. Treasury；15. Veteran Affairs（四）美国总统的选举1. Qualifications for Voting(1) ResidenceIn order to qualify as a voter, a person must reside in his state for aspecific period of time. From six months to one year.(2) RegistrationCitizens aged 18 or above may register in their home towns.A quarter do not register.2. Primary or Caucus: Choosing a party candidate3. National convention nomination 全国大会提名4. General election 全国大选The first Tuesday of November: Voter electing electors5. 选举团制度The Electoral College consists of the popularly elected representatives who formally select the President and Vice President of the United States. Since 1964 the electoral college has had 538 electors, equal to the number of its Senators and Representatives in the United States Congress. The District of Columbia is given three electors. Electors pledge to vote for specific candidates and voters cast ballots for favored presidential and vice presidential candidates by voting for correspondingly pledged electors. Most states allow voters to choose between statewide slates of electors pledged to vote for the presidential and vice presidential tickets of various parties; the ticket that receives the most votes statewide 'wins' all of the votes cast by electors from that state6. Inauguration（五）对选举制度的评价1、优点（1）形式上的民主权利；（2）定期更换政府；（3）程序文明2、劣势（1）附和群众意见；（2）选举需要大量的金钱三、国会Congress：the House and the Senate（一）A bicameral institution 两院制House of Representatives （众议院）and Senate （参议院）1、成员的人数：435和100；2、任期: 2年和6年；3、人际关系: Less formality inthe Senate；4、声望（Reputation）: Senate 更高（二）职能1、立法；2、修正宪法；3、弹劾、审判、罢免总统；4、调查；5、制定自身的规范；6、批准总统的任命The President may only nominate for appointment Cabinet officials, judges, and other high officers with the "by and with the advice and consent" of the Senate. The Senate confirms most presidential nominees, but rejections are not uncommon. Furthermore, treaties negotiated by the President must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate to take effect.（三）立法的程序1. Introduction of a billOfficial introduction of a bill can come only from a representative or senator.2. The bill is referred to the committee by leadership.3. The committee takes action. If a bill is approved, it is reported to thefull house.4. The bill goes to a calendar. 5. The bill goes to the floor.6. Passed bill goes to the other house.7. Conference committees may meet if there are similar bills from both houses.8. The bill goes to the president.9. The president signs the bill.（四）国会的委员会工作四种委员会1、standing committees常设委员会2、special or select committees特别委员会3、joint committees 联合委员会4、conference committees临时联合委员会Chapter 6 Law and Judicial System一、美国司法制度（一）美国司法的一些基本事实1. 律师多2. High crime rateAccording to FBI statistics, an estimated 1,417,745 violent crimes occurred nationwide in 2006. There were an estimated 473.5 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.（二）美国司法制度：联邦法院1、职能Federal courts deal with cases which arise under the U.S. Constitution,treaties or federal law and any disputes involving the federal government. They also hear disputes involving governments or citizens of different states. If a case in the highest state court appeal involves a federal question, it can be。
美国社会与文化
AMERICA SOCIETY AND CULTURE1) The ―discovery‖ of the New World 发现新大陆①The ―first Americans‖ were the Indians 最早的美国人是印第安人②In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator, supported by the Spanish queen, he led his men to sail across the vast ocean in 1492 and reached some small islands in the now west Indies.He thought he had reached Asia and didn‘t know he had disvovered a New Continent.15世纪后期，意大利航海家克里斯多弗.哥伦布，在西班牙女王的支持下,于1492年率领船队穿越浩瀚的大西洋，抵达了现在西印度群岛的一些小岛。
他误以为到达了亚洲，并不知道自己已经发现了一个新大陆。
③Ameriga Vespucci proved that the land was a new continent.Therefore, the land was named America after him.阿美利歌。
韦斯普奇证明了这是新大陆，因此，以他的名字命名。
2)Causes of the colonization of the New WorldOpportunity was a magic word.①The new Would drew English nobles (who dreamed of getting more land and establishing great new estates.).②Drew other people who could not find jobs in England. ③Most of all , it drew the poor and the homeless from the farmlands and villages of Europe. ④Many settlers came to the English colonies in search of religious freedom because they had been persecuted in England.机遇是一个神气的词。
美国的知识社会与文化
美国的知识社会与文化内容简介：本文从美国社会和文化的五个基本价值：个人价值、法制民主、市场经济、宗教、多元文化这样一个角度探讨了２１世纪美国知识社会的特质，认为随着美国社会的更加富裕，其社会问题也将日益突出。
＊＊＊在这个２０世纪与２１世纪交接的历史时刻，美国正处在一个划时代的“信息革命”过程中。
随着这个信息革命继续不断地发展，美国的社会与文化也相应地正在进行一个无形的、本质上的演变。
换句话说，今天的美国将要从２０世纪的“资本主义社会”（即工业社会），逐渐地过渡到２１世纪的“ 后资本主义社会”（即后工业社会）或"知识社会"。
这个从资本主义社会转变为后资本主义社会的过渡，从哲学的角度来看，是一个本质性的变化。
为什么呢？这是因为资本主义社会的本质是决定于资本（资本是创造国家财富的主要泉源）；而后资本主义社会的本质将不是决定于资本，而是决定于“信息与知识”（信息与知识将是创造国家财富的主要泉源）。
但是，一个社会的转变是多方面的、综合性的、复杂的过程。
换句话说，它不但决定于基本的经济结构，而且也决定于其他的因素，特别是这个社会和文化的“基本价值”。
所以，我现在从美国社会和文化的五个基本价值的角度，对２１世纪的美国知识社会做一个初步的探讨。
这五个基本价值是（一）个人价值，（二）法制民主，（三）市场经济，（四）宗教，（五）多元文化。
概括地说，这些价值的根源是来自西方文化的传统，经过美国独立革命的洗礼，同时，又经过了２００多年美国历史发展的考验，所以它们是美国社会和文化的支柱。
当然，这并不意味着，这些基本价值在不同的历史发展时期中，没有任何改变；实际上，它们的含义以及在社会中的具体表现，随着不同社会性质的转变而不断地发展和加深。
我相信，就是在２１世纪的知识社会中，它们仍是美国社会的价值基础。
下面，我就简单地谈谈，这五个基本价值，或五个支柱。
１．个人价值。
这里，我特意地没有用“个人主义”这个名词，因为在人民的心目中，它是一个贬词。
美国文化与社会
第一讲从殖民地到“超级大国”：美国的发展历程美国的奠基时代（1607－1775年）1．北美13个殖民地：1607到1773年，英国在北美陆续建立了13个殖民地2．殖民地的社会结构：上层是以总督为首的大商人、大土地所有者或种植园奴隶主；中间是小土地所有者、小工厂主、技师和自耕农等；底层是白人契约奴和黑人奴隶3．美利坚民族的形成：殖民地间经济的差异性促进了彼此商品的流通，逐渐形成了统一的市场。
经济的交往也促进了文化的交流，如哈佛学院。
最早具有民族意识的知识分子，如托马斯•杰斐逊、詹姆斯•麦迪逊、亚历山大•汉密尔顿等；英语逐渐成为他们的共同语言；共同的心理素质。
3．英国与北美殖民地矛盾的激化：1773年茶叶税法，波士顿倾茶事件；1774年3月始，英国政府接连颁布了5项高压法令(“不可容忍的法令Intolerable Acts”)。
二、美国的建立与初步繁荣（1776－1860年）1．美国独立革命（1775－1783年）The War of American Independence “列克星敦枪声Lexington”和独立战争的爆发(1775年4月19日) Someone fired the “shot heard round the world”2．1775年5月10日召开的第二届大陆会议开始招募军队，华盛顿被任命为统一的美利坚军队的总司令3．托马斯•潘恩于1776年1月10日发表《常识》Common Sense4．《独立宣言》与美国的建立1776年7月4日《独立宣言》Declaration of Independence July 1776 年，天赋人权和社会契约论social contract，认为人人生而平等，享有不可剥夺的“生命权、自由权和追求幸福的权利”“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”美国革命通过《独立宣言》以及由此导致的一系列立法，创造了一个全新的国家5．从邦联到联邦邦联制下的美国《邦联条例》Article of Confederation (1777) 谢斯起义Rebel of Shays《1787年宪法》Constitution of the Unites States与联邦体制Federal System 的确立1787年5月25日至9月15日在费城召开制宪会议。
美国文化与社会
美国的教育确实有不少值得我们学习的地方。
比如，美国的家长普遍从小鼓励孩子们的独立精神；小学中学的很多课程都有不同规模的课外自修项目（project），让学生们自己动手收集资料自己分析资料得出结论，然后自己写总结报告当众汇报；适当鼓励引导学生们异想天开胡思乱想白天做梦，启发他们的想象力。
这些作法对学生们的独立思考独立动手能力、实际应用能力、创造性思考的能力的培养与锻炼非常有好处。
美国的学校确实成功地培养出不少世界一流的各界人材。
这是启发性教育的成功。
这些好经验不能照搬。
对症下药量体裁衣量菜下饭，这是中国老百姓们所熟悉的常识。
但是中国教育界的头儿们官僚们教授专家们实在是学问太高深了，并不懂得这些生活的基本常识。
但是学问高深的教育精英们的行动又是太初级了：一听说美国西方的什么东西好，立即拿老百姓的钱组织各类考察团飞出国去顶礼膜拜（名为考察），回来盲目推广蜂拥而上。
其实真正值得中国教育界的人士思考研究的是，如何根据中国的具体情况适当地加以学习的。
美国的国情与中国的国情非常的不同，最大的不同在于：一是，中国人口量巨大，居住密度高，而美国人口少，而且居住密度低；二是，美国很有钱，而中国非常穷。
要辅导上亿中小学生们的课外自修项目，就要有足够多的教师，这在中国一般办不到（有钱的私立学校，富裕地区的公立学校可能办得到）。
美国的高等教育十分重视人文和历史教育，人文历史学科的院系在美国是较普遍地设置的。
如，马里兰大学是一个由马里兰州办的州立高等教育系统，由十三所大学组成，比如University of Maryland, College Park 是这一大学系统中最主要的大学，它拥有师资和研究力量雄厚的历史系，所开设的历史课程的内容也十分丰富。
对于一所综合性大学，拥有这样的历史系是可以理解的。
在马里兰大学系统的其它院校都有历史系。
而马里兰大学系统中有些是工科或自然学科类的大学，如，University of MD Biotechnology、University of MD Environmental Science等。
第二章 美国社会文化的几个重要特点
二、美国人具有开拓和求实精神
是由其所处的社会环境产生的。 是由其所处的社会环境产生的。 首先必须战胜远涉重洋的困难； 首先必须战胜远涉重洋的困难； 其次是必须白手起家，创建家园； 其次是必须白手起家，创建家园； 欧洲的老经验已经无用， 欧洲的老经验已经无用，必须一切从实际 出发，从头做起。 出发，从头做起。
《独立宣言》 独立宣言》 （Declaration of Independence） Independence）
《独立宣言》宣布，一切人生而平等，上帝赋予 独立宣言》 他们诸如生存、自由和追求幸福等不可让与的权 利。指出，为保障上述权利，人们才建立政府， 任何政府一旦损害这些权利，人们就有权改换它 或废除它，建立新政府。宣言列举和痛斥了英王 对殖民地实施的暴政，向全世界庄严宣告北美殖 民地脱离英国，自由独立的美利坚合众国正式成 立。《独立宣言》 立。《独立宣言》第一次以政治纲领形式确立了 资产阶级的革命原则－人权原则。K.马克思称它 资产阶级的革命原则－人权原则。K.马克思称它 为“第一个人权宣言”。宣言在一定程度上反映 第一个人权宣言” 了北美殖民地人民争取自由独立的政治愿望 。
从时间上看，美国境内印第安人始终没有形成一 个文化中心； 从空间看，印第安人部落文化是多元的，殖民地 时代以前曾形成三个中心（玛雅、阿斯特克、印 加文化），但都不在美国境内，没有形成一种学 术上定位的代表性文化； 人们习惯把印第安人称为土著人，印第安人文化 被视为土著文化而没有被称为本土文化，这很不 公平。不论其内部文化多么复杂，印第安人文化 作为一个整体早已存在并形成了一个独特的模式， 这个文化应该是真正意义上的美国本土文化。
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迈阿密: 迈阿密:中南美贸易金融之都
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朱永涛《英语国家社会与文化入门》笔记和考研真题详解-下册(美国)-第3~6章【圣才出品】
美国第3章美国的起始3.1 复习笔记I. What is an American?1. A new race2. Current situationII. Two immigration movements1. From Asia2. From Europe and AfricaIII. The Forces that led to the modern development of Europe (Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries)1. The growth of capitalism2. The Renaissance3. The Religious ReformationIV. The colonial Patterns1. The settlement in Virginia2. Puritanism3. Catholic Maryland4. Quaker PennsylvaniaV. The American Revolution (The War of Independence)1. The causes2. The eve3. The process4. The major leaders (The Founding Fathers)5. The significanceI. What is an American? （美国民族性）1. A new race（新的民族）(1)In 1782, the French farmer J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, who settled in Pennsylvania, first asked this question in Letters from An American Farmer. (2)He thought the American was a new man who had the mixed blood of Europeans or their descendants, and who left behind him his ancient prejudices and manners and received new ones. Individuals were melted into a new race who acted upon new principles, entertained new ideas and form new opinions. The idea that America is a melting pot originated from his words.(1)赫克托·圣约翰·德克雷夫克尔于1782年著成《美国农人简史》，首次提出了美国民族性这一问题。
认识美国的社会与文化
认识美国的社会与文化余嫔一、文化差异一般人谈文化差异，其实谈的是「同中有异」的「异」的部分，是以一个整体的观点来谈文化的普遍倾向，并不去提在大文化之下的个别差异。
许多对某一文化粗略的假设或前题，如：法国人浪漫、犹太人吝啬、美国人个人主义等等，或者深入的研究探讨资料，都有助于我们对一个文化的认识，当与不同文化的个别接触时，个别差异仍是不可忽视的。
过度的以偏概全或刻板印象，有时也会使我们不能真正的了解别人。
其实人类文化的发展，受环境和人本身条件的限制，是有许多相似之处，但由于价值观、生活方式和历史背景的不同，不同社会的人对事情或生活的喜好、选择、符号的解释和行为表现便有差异。
由于传播媒体的发达和交通工具的便利，现今完全不受其他文化影响的例子已很少，而在二十一世纪以「我们都是一个地球的居民」的意识高涨之际，各人种之间的接触和彼此的影响愈来愈深广。
接触其他文化将成为「现代公民」的一种必要的经验，而适应文化差异也将成为现代公民的必要能力之一。
来美国求学，尤其是到洛杉矶这样的国际大都会，有许多机会面对各类人种，是接触许多文化不可多得的机会，同时也是一个极大的挑战。
二、文化震撼与调适「文化震撼」(Culture Shock)主要是来自于两个不同文化差异而引起。
可以发生在任何时候，任何新环境。
当你到达一个地方觉得很陌生、很困惑，不知道自己的角色是什么、应定位在哪里？应怎么表现才恰当等等，觉得很不舒服、很不自在时，就是"shock"。
好像过去所有的经验在刹那间突然「短路」。
很多时候，「文化震撼」会引起身体上的一些症状：如头痛、胃囗不好、睡眠失调或者心理上的焦虑、沮丧。
几乎每一个留学生都经验过文化震撼，只是有时当事人并不清楚知道自己正在经历或曾经有过。
其实文化震撼并不是指突发一次即结束的"shock"的感觉，而是在一段时间内，密集式的有强有弱的震惊，仓惶和被冲击到的感觉。
过去的文化背景和新文化差异愈大时，震撼的感觉会愈强且愈密集。
美国文化读书笔记2000字
美国文化读书笔记2000字《论美国的民主》读书笔记,序言P1同时反对对大革命的妖魔化和神化，P3-4美国比英国更值得法国借鉴，P4上卷担心多数人暴政，下卷担心欧洲官僚的专制主义造成的民众政治冷漠，P6托氏民主更多是指平等，而非现代意义上的选举政治，P7现代与古代的本质差异就在于平等化深入人心，大革命带来的想象的平等，P8平等与自由价值之间的紧张关系，身份平等而缺乏自由导致社会的个体化，P9个体化反过来强化中央集权，P9维系美国政治的三大因素：自然环境与资源、典章制度、政教习俗，其中政教习俗最重要，P10联邦制度的优越性，社团与中间权力（与孔飞力《中国现代国家的起源》做对比），P12启蒙主义确立的平等、自由顺应天意，但过于理想化。
上卷：绪论：P3美国的身份平等，P4权力等级的被打破，P5七百年历史都在促进平等，P14国情的不同与民主的多样化实施。
第一部分：P24对美洲土著的介绍，P27对美国土著的贬损。
P32其他殖民地最初移民的边缘人群构成与美国最初移民的有产教育阶层构成，P35美国最初移民大多是全家移民，P36移民的中产阶级成分与美国最初社会的均质化，P37美国殖民地的移民自组织形式，P41美国先有基层，再有上层社会，跟欧洲相反。
P48哈德逊河西南的大地主带来贵族制，是一种脆弱的贵族，P50平分遗产制对美国平等化的影响，P53美国几乎人人受过初等教育，无人受过高等教育，P55平等比自由重要，平等社会既可能带来民主，也可能带来极权。
P58选举范围的扩大与美国人民主权的深入人心。
P61乡镇一级没有采取代议制，P62小事行政委员处理，大事要开居民大会，P63行政委员由居民大会选出，乡镇行政有十九个职能部门，大多由居民担任，收入跟工作量挂钩，P65乡镇的两大特点：独立和强盛，P72中央政府不管多开明睿智，都不可能处理社会生活中的一切细节，P75分权带来的公民的主人公意识，P76集权国家容易导致个体把责任推给政府。
美国社会与文化第一讲
上岸前，船上41名成年男子签署了“五月花公约” （Mayflower Compact), 宣布自愿结成平等的公民政府，所制定的法律应当公正、 平等，为全体利益服务。
清教徒们望在新大陆上建立一个理想的社会---“山巅之城”。
“五月花”号
The Rag Time
西班牙裔：理查德森
摩门教徒 ：罗姆尼
20世纪初，康有为、 梁启超对美国的考 察：
本原不类， 精神皆非。
美将凌德法驾英俄 以赫赫之美国，岂其于 政治上无特别善良之处， 而能致有今日者？
美国大学的成功有五大理由
英明的政策与官员
灵活自由的教学方式
严格的教师录取、晋升、管理制度 在进步中求稳定的思维 私立大学奇迹般的崛起。
自我纠错
三，美国的难题
国内难题： 种族问题---“大熔炉”还是“大拼 图”？
国际难题 “高处不胜寒”
“9-11”的冲击 伊拉克战争
“奥巴马政府和整个美国现在面对的是一 场极其深刻的国内金融危机和两场极其艰 难的海外战争。现在没有人知道，这个美 国近百年来从未遇到的困难局面将把美国 和世界引向何处？”
“美国社会与文化”导论
——中国人看美国 北京大学美国研究中心 袁明教授
2010年 3月3日
一、众口纷纭话美国
“17世纪初在美洲定居下来的移民， 从他们在欧洲旧社会所反对的一切原 则中析出民主原则，独自把它移植到 新大陆的海岸上。在这里，民主的原 则得到自由成长，并在同民情的一并 前进中和平地发展成为法律。”
丁一凡：《美国批判》 北京大学出版社 2006年版 在本书的序言中，王缉思 教授提出：“美国在中东地区 推广民主的后果更是难以预 测。如果真正推行自由选举， 导致反对美国的政治人物上 台执政，美国还能认同民主 选举的结果吗”？
美国社会文化简析
美国社会文化简析在美国，Citizenship这个完整的词拥有丰富的含义，包含着公民的责任、公民的权利、公民的信仰、公民的修养、公民的素质、公民的自律精神、公民的良知等。
Ship是船，是载体，所有公民拥有的意义皆装载其中。
这些最深刻的概念，组合成深刻的思想。
这些词汇概念都是美国所谓的立国之本的重要内容，属于美国的传统政治理论中最核心、最关键的词汇。
什么是美国人，什么是美国公民，什么是美国公民文化？2006年，在胡锦涛主席和布什总统的联手努力下，中美关系达到历史上最佳时期。
现在，美国向我们扑面而来，我们了解美国吗？我们了解到的美国往往不是真实的、全面的、深层的美国。
我们这一代知识分子以及中国青年一代，走向个人强大和民族强大的首要的、也是最为重要的工作之一，就是认知美国、消化美国。
那么，什么是美国人？什么是美国市民？或者说什么是美国公民？什么是美国公民文化？市民(Citizen)在中文中与公民有不同的区分。
但在英文中，市民就是公民，公民就是市民。
最早的市民概念是指生活在集市附近的居民。
现代社会的市民有了不同的概念，以往做生意以物易物，后来用钱币，现代市民社会是信用社会。
现代市民的意义比以往任何时候都更加丰富。
英文Citizenship，很多人只把这个词翻译成“国籍和公民身份”，这是远远不够的。
在美国，Citi－zenship这个完整的词拥有丰富的含义，包含着公民的责任、公民的权利、公民的信仰、公民的修养、公民的素质、公民的自律精神、公民的良知等。
Ship是船，是载体，所有公民拥有的意义皆装载其中。
这些最深刻的概念，组合成深刻的思想。
这些词汇概念都是美国所谓的立国之本的重要内容，属于美国的传统政治理论中最核心、最关键的词汇。
传统美国公民和当代美国公民的品格性质、文化特征和趋势拟从25个方面，来细化传统美国公民(市民)和当代美国公民的品格性质、文化特征和趋势。
第一，美国的公民基本理论，源自于美国宪法。
美国宪法规定你的责任，也规定你的权利，美国公民的权利和责任，除了选举、纳税等之外，大部分内容是在美国的修改法案中确定的。
美国社会与文化读书笔记
美国社会与文化美国的中学生开设的课程有家政学,消费教育等实践性的学习.美国最早的一批大学是由私人慈善机构资助发展起来的,哈佛,耶鲁,普林斯顿等都是私立大学.私立大学比公立大学数量多,但其规模较小,因而它们在校学生总数少于公立大学.哈佛大学,在这个长满常春藤的校园里,有大量课堂以外的活动,几乎所有的大学生都参加校园里的活动,或者是担任某种志愿工作.在麻省理工,每个学生可同自己的老师商讨,制定出各科目的安排计划..在美国,接受高等教育的学生有一半不能毕业,在第一年或第二年后退学的学生之多使得国人不安,尽管有证据表明未完成大学学业的学生会比根本就没有进入大学的学生具备更好地就业前景.大学分数与未来财富之间的关联微乎甚微,的高分的人并不全都是进入提供高新的职业阶层,大学分数与成功办企业-通往财富的必经之路,之间的关联几乎为零.许多中等水平的学生一跃而成为成功的企业家,而一些能力优秀的毕业生(有创造力的年轻人,并非考试的高分的学生)却从事着工资相对低,但有趣或满意的职业.高分并不能以任何一种直接的方式导致财富,不知是好是坏,无数美国人对“成功”的评价尺度就是获取财富。
美国学生暑假后会花上很多时间谈论自己假期旅游或者打工的经历。
而打工所挣的钱就存入银行，作为上学时的零用钱。
有不少年轻人辛辛苦苦地打工就是为了买一辆二手车或买汽油，因为大多数美国人16岁一国就急于取得驾驶执照。
暑假打工对无数美国青年来说，是见识新面孔，新地方，心口音，新观点，新电影，新书以及和那些早工作压力下拼命干活的形形色色的人们打交道所形成的对生活新的看法都时期。
这样的生活对于善于观察的热来说，就像是一系列小说，一个平静的开头可以突然引出超凡脱俗的冒险或令人惊讶的发现。
另一个引人注目的事情是，许多人之所以避开选择不体面的工作，就是由于较单劣的暑假工作所提供的无法容忍的经历。
经历在于如何利用它，最伟大的时刻的教训在最奇特，最无刺激性的环境中取得。
美国社会与文化各章内容要点
Unit 1 American BeginningsSix main regions of America:New England, Middle Atlantic, The South, The Midwest,The Southwest, The WestThe Mid-Atlantic States (also called Middle Atlantic States or simply the Mid Atlantic) form a region of the United States generally located between New England and the South. Its exact definition differs upon source, but the region often includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and sometimes Virginia and West Virginia.The continental United States (the 48 contiguous states) is divided into 4 time zones:∙Eastern Standard Time (EST), the time zone New Y ork is in, which is 5 hours behind Greenwich mean Time (GMT) ∙Central Standard Time (CST), the time zone Chicago is in, which is 6 hours behind Greenwich Meantime (GMT) ∙Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is 7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)∙Pacific Standard Time (PST), the time zone Los Angeles is in, which is 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)Alaska and Hawaii have their own time zones: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) and Hawaii Standard Time (HST) respectivelyI.INTRODUCTIONa federal republica federation of 50 states and 1 federal district (District of Columbia)population: 303,824,6403. major cities:◆New York (largest city, “Big Apple”),◆Chicago (2nd largest city),◆Los Angeles (3nd largest city),Detroit: Motor City汽车城,4. states:1Vermont，2New Hampshire,3Massachusetts, 4Connecticut,5Rhode Island, 6New Jersey,7Maryland, 8DelawareNational symbol: Uncle Samlargest state: Alaska2nd largest state: Texas3rd largest state but most populous: Californiasmallest state: Rhode Island6.longest river: the Mississippi (the U.S.A.)longest river: River Severn塞文河（the UK）5 lakes:Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario5II.* America: a melting pot大熔炉or a mosaic马赛克?a nation of immigrants, a nation of nations, a microcosm of the world, a melting pot,(mainsteam culture: W ASP culture = white Anglo-Saxon protestant), a mosaic (a salad bowl) ==a multicultural society/cultural diversity/ cultural pluralismIII. the discovery of America2 immigration movements to American continents:1) from Asia2) from Europe & Africa1492: Columbus discovered the New World (America)3 earliest colonial powers in the worldSpain, Portugal, the NetherlandsIV. Europe in the 16th and 17th Centuries1.Medieval Europe: prevalent religion---the Roman Catholic Church2. 3 new forces led to the awakening of Europe and the discovery ofAmerica1)the development of capitalism2)the Renaissance3)the Religious/Protestant Reformationleaders: Martin Luther, John Calvin, King Henry VIII: Church of EnglandVI. Colonial Period: 1607---17761.Virginia: by the London Company in 1607, the first Englishpermanent colony in North America*Newfoundland 纽芬兰established in 1583Jamestown----James I (Gold--→tobacco)2.Puritan New England:by PuritansEngland--→Holland--→Plymouth, Massachussetsthe Pilgrim Fathers:清教移民先驱the ship Mayflower, Thanksgiving Day3.Maryland: by a Catholic: the 2nd Lord Baltimorethe manor system: a feudal experiment plan (failed)----→a capitalist development roadindentured servants白人契约奴4.Quaker PensylvaniaPhiladelphia (“a city of brotherly love”)philanthropy=fraternity博爱by a Quaker: William Penn---- the Holy Experimentseparation of state and churchQuakerism=the society of friends 贵格会，教友派(quake: shake) Quakers’ beliefs: man was not born sinful, but equal; liberty and equality cf: the UK-- a society with social hierarchyVII. The American Revolution (1775-1783)The American Revolution = The American War of Independence (1775-1783)1. Background1756-1763: the Seven Years’ War=the French and Indian War (England and France)→ British conflict with its 13 American colonies2. Major events:1)1773: Boston Tea Party波士顿倾茶事件2)1774: the 1st Continental Congress3)April 18th, 1775: the gunshot of Lexington 莱克星顿(the 1st gunshotof the American Revolution) and Concord4)1775：the 2nd Continental Congress in Philadelphiaassume the function of a national governmentGeorge Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army 5)July 4th, 1776: Declaration of Independnce: Thomas Jefferson+Benjamin Franklinunalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happinessJohn Locke（*4th, 1776: Independence Day of the U.S.*）6)1783: birth of America (the Treaty of Paris)Unit 2: The Political System in the United States 1. Two American constitutions(1) The Articles of Confederation (1781.3.1-1788.6.21) 邦联条款WEAKNESS: Under the Articles, the Congress could not tax or draft any citizen.state government > national government--- *the 1st written constitution of its kind in the world, formed a league of friendship among the states, cannot ensure peace or prosperity, an agricultural country*(2) The Constitution of the United States (passed in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia1787.9.17, adopted in 1789)--- by the Constitutional Convention: 12 states participated except Rhode Island--- the present constitution of the U.S.2 fears: tyranny/monarchy + anarchyprinciples:1) set up a federal system2) separation of powers: a three-part national government3) the system of checks and balances4) America as a republic (rather than a confederation)5) the supremacy of people over government6) the rule of law2. Separation of Powers: a three-part national government(1) Legislative Branch: bicameral legislatureCongress: 1> the House of Representative (435)2> the Senate (100)(2) Executive Branchthe president: four-year term, only two terms,veto +appointment +foreign relations with other countries;the vice president: =presiding officer of the Senate, cast a tie-breaking vote;the secretary of stateimpeachment(3) Judicial Branch1) the Supreme Court: 1 chief justice+8 associate justices,jurisdiction + power of judicial review2) 11 federal Courts of appeal3) 91 federal district courts3. Check and Balances4. Bill of Rights人权法案1791 – (10 amendments to the Constitution)→1991 – (16 others)5. Political Parties: bipartisan system1> the Democratic Party –“donkey” – liberal2> the Republican Party –“elephant” – conservative✧the Democratic Party (LEFT) (1792)✧the Republican Party(1854) (RIGHT)the “New Deal” – Franklin Rooseveltin-party执政党=ruling/governing partyout-party在野党附：1787 the Constitution1783 the birth of America1791 the first amendment to the Constitution1991 the second amendmentChapter 3 American Economy1 Industrial Revolutionthe American Revolutionthe Industrial RevolutionAlexanden Hamilton: a protective tariff to encourage businessFour Developments1 the introduction of the factory systemRhode Island – the first factory-- by Samuel Slater2 the “American system” of mass production“Eli Whitney” – the cotton gin-- rifles3 the application of new technologies to industrial tasks.The steam engine4 the emergency of new forms of business organization – the bank and thecorporation1863 paper currencyFinally: the construction of railroad 1) capital 2) business activities 3)settlement 4)coal, iron… the heavy industry 5) farm toolsthe rise and decline of industries1 the auto industry2 the new industry --- 1) “high-tech” industries2) service industries2 Free Enterprise“capital”“lending money” à “share” à “stock exchange”3 the Roots of Affluence1) bountiful natural resources 2) the vast dimension 3) a steady population4 American Agriculture1) the foundation of American economy2) the success of agriculture “agribusiness”3) the dark side4) “migrant workers”5) the harm to environmentChapter 4 Religion in the U.S.1. American mainsteam culture: W ASP culture = white Anglo-Saxon protestant2. Characteristics: Religious liberty, equality and diversity, separation of state and church, …3. Protestants: the largest church in the U.S.Baptists, Methodists, (Lutherans, Congregationalists, Quakers, Episcopalians …)Catholics: the largest single religious group in the U.S.Jews: the 3rd largest religious group4. Three faiths model of the U.S.:Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism (or: Protestant, Catholic, Jewish) 5. non-western religions:Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam （believers：muslims, their God called Allah Chapter 6 Education in the United States1 Going to School in America Today1) the goal of American education2) SchoolsPublic schools 85% -- tax – boards of educationPrivate schools 5% -- religious groups2 Education – a Local Matter13 years of education3 What an American Student LearnsElementary SchoolSecondary School (a high school diploma)4 Education in a New Nation1) Harvard College: founded in 1636 to train religious ministers2) Puritans – a system of education1 compulsory education2 public taxation5 Learning to be World Citizens6 Higher Education1/3: higher educationthe system of higher education1 the university2 the college3 the technical training institution4 the community college7 Selecting a College or University1) What degrees does it offer?1 the bachelor’s degree: (B.A., B.S.)2 the master’s degree: (M.A., M.S.)3 the doctor’s degree: (ph D.)2) What curricula does it offer?Major + electives3) Three sources of income1 student tuition2 endowment3 government funding8 Trends in Degree Programs9 Education for All1) 1944: “the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act” = (“GI Bill of Rights”)– veterans.–promise financial aid, including aid for higher education, to members of the armed forcesbackground: WWII, the Korean War (June 25, 1950 -- July 27, 1953)*The Korean War (June 25, 1950 -- July 27, 1953): refers to a period ofmilitary conflict between North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea(officially the Republic of Korea) regimes. The conflict arose from the attempts of the two Korean powers to re-unify Korea under their respective governments. The period immediately before the war was marked by escalating border conflicts at the 38th Parallel and attempts to negotiate elections for the entirety of Korea.[23]These negotiations ended when the North Korean Army invaded the South on June 25, 1950. Under the aegis of the United Nations, nations allied with the United States intervened on behalf of South Korea. After rapid advances in a South Korean counterattack, North-allied Chinese forces intervened on behalf of North Korea, shifting the balance of the war and ultimately leading to an armistice that approximately restored the original boundaries between North and Southresults: Women’s Liberation Movements = feminism2) late 1960s: “Affirmative Acti on ProgramS” -- minorities* The term affirmative action or positive action[1][2] (in the U.K.) refers to policies that take race, ethnicity, or gender into consideration in an attempt to promote equal opportunity. The focus of such policies ranges from employment and education to public contracting and health programs. The impetus towards affirmative action is twofold: to maximize diversity in all levels of society, along with its presumed benefits, and to redress perceived disadvantages due to overt, institutional, or involuntary discrimination.*Chapter 7 Social Movement of the 1960s1 Background and Definition1.1 Two events1) 1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott: Rosa Parks --- the true beginning of the civil rights movement2) 1960: Greensboro “Sit-in” --- began the civil rights movement in the 1960s1.2 Social Movement of the 1960s:The civil rights movementThe youth (anti-war) movementThe wome n’s liberation movement1.3 Slogans“We shall overcome!” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)“Let it all hang out!” “Hell, no, we won’t go!”“Speak your minds without interruption.”2 Why did the Social Movement Begin?2.1 the Ku Klux Klan2.2 traditional white male values, the Vietnam War (1959-1975)2.3 1944: “the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act” = (“GI Bill of Rights”)–promise financial aid, including aid for higher education, to members of the armed forces–or: subsidized education and home ownership for veterans of the WWII and the Korean War (June 25, 1950 -- July 27, 1953)3 Who worked in the Social Movement?3.1 activists:male, Negro leaders;young people, white professionals and white housewives3.2 strategies and tacticsnonviolent direct action tactics (influenced by an Indian, Gandhi)like “sit-ins”, “teach-ins”(about the war in Vietnam), “freedom rides,” freedom speech, voter registration*sit-in: a form of civil disobedience in which demonstrators occupy seats and refuse to moven.室内静坐抗议, 室内静坐罢工teach-in: an extended session (as on a college campus) for lectures and discussion on an important and usually controversial issuen. （大学师生举行的）时事宣讲会，讨论会，辩论会*4 What is a Social Movement?Two characteristics“struct ure and spontaneity”5 The Civil Rights Movement1955: Montgomery Bus Boycott -- Rosa ParksNAACP6 Organizations(SNCC) the Students Nonviolent Coordinating Committee: collective leadership(CORE) the Congress of Racial Equality(SCLC) the Southern Christian Leadership Conference: Martin Luther King, Jr.7 Direct Action Tactics“sit-ins”,“teach-ins”“freedom rides”V oter registration1963: Martin Luther King --- “I have a dream”;President John F. Kennedy was assassinatedresults:1964: President Johnson – the Civil Rights Act8 Changes1965: President Johnson: “war on poverty”Malcolm X – northern ghettos: black separatism and violence Stokeley Carmichael: “Black power”1966; “march against fear”; Black Panther Party for Self Defense 1968 Martin Luther King & Robert Kennedy were assassinated9 The Y outh Movement / Anti-war MovementMario Savio“Free Speech Movement”a “Counter culture”: the “Hippies” =the “love generation”The Vietnam War occurred in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia from 1959[1] to 30 April 1975. The war was fought between the communist North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other member nations of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).[11][12]The United States entered the war to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam as part of their wider strategy of containment. Military advisors arrived beginning in 1950. U.S. involvement escalated in the early 1960s and combat units were deployed beginning in 1965. Involvement peaked in 1968 at the time of the Tet Offensive. Despite a peace treaty signed by all parties in January 1973, fighting continued. InApril 1975, North Vietnam captured Saigon. North and South Vietnam were reunified the following year.The war exacted a huge human cost in terms of fatalities, including 3 to 4 million Vietnamese from both sides, 1.5 to 2 million Laotians and Cambodians, and 58,159 U.S. soldiers.[13]●John F. Kennedy's administration, 1960–1963●President Johnson expands the war, 1963–1969●President Nixon: Nixon Doctrine / Vietnamization, 1969–1972●Exit of the Americans: 1973-1975Vietnam War memorial in the new Chinatown in Houston, TexasA U.S. B-66 Destroyer and four F-105 Thunderchiefs dropping bombs on North Vietnam10 T he Women’s Movement10.1 started by/advocates:Professional womenWhite housewivesYoung activists in the civil rights and anti-war movement10.2 Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique (1963)10.3 By an accident (1964 – the Civil Rights Act)10.4 organization: 1966 -- the National Organization for Women (NOW)Feminism is the idea that women should have political, social, sexual, intellectual and economic rights equal to those of men. It involves various movements, theories, and philosophies, all concerned with issues of gender difference, that advocate equality for women and the campaign for women's rights and interests.[1][2][3][4][5] According to Maggie Humm and Rebecca Walker, the history of feminism can be divided into three waves.[4][6]The first wave was in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the second was in the 1960s and 1970s, and the third extends from the 1990s to the present.The Feminine MystiqueBetty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique (1963) criticized the idea that women could only find fulfillment through childrearing and homemaking. According to Friedan's obituary in the The New York Times, The Feminine Mystique“ignited the contemporary women's movement in 1963 and as a result permanently transformed the social fabric of the United States and countries around the world” and “is widely regarded asone of the most influential nonfiction bo oks of the 20th century.”[34] In the book Friedan hypothesizes that women are victims of a false belief system that requires them to find identity and meaning in their lives through their husbands and children. Such a system causes women to completely lose their identity in that of their family. Friedan specifically locates this system among post-World War II middle-class suburban communities. At the same time, America's post-war economic boom had led to the development of new technologies that were supposed to make household work less difficult, but that often had the result of making women's work less meaningful and valuable.[35]ConclusionBlacks have made impressive gains in both political and economic life. However, racism is still a incorrigible/ingrained problem in the U.S.. White and black Americans, still live in different worlds. Poverty continues to be an overwhelming problem for blacks.Lacking support from the great masses and suppressed by the government, the American youth movement ended in failure, and student radicalism had virtually disappeared by 1972. But their rebellion has brought about tremendous changes. American society is showing an increased tolerance of diversity, sympathy and multual respect between people.Women’s status has been greatly improved, but there still exists some practices based on gender biases in job opportunities, management and politics.There is still a long way to go.Chapter 8 Social Problems in the United StatesOutline introduction1. Racial problems:1) American citizensAnglo-saxon ---the priviledged majoritythe Hispanics –-largest of the racial and ethnic minoritiesThe blacks -11.7% --- 2nd largest of the racial and ethnic minoritiesNative Americans-- racial and ethnic minorityAsian Americans-- racial and ethnic minority2) the end of the slaveryThe Civil WarLincoln’s emancipation of slaves in 1863The 13th Amendment to the Constitution in1865*American-----a melting pot or a mosaic?III. Discussion: the black-white relations in the United States2. Povertysocially stratified American society3. Drug Abuse4. Crime1) President Nixon: 1974 resign from presidency due to involvementin the Watergate Affair2) white-collar crime5. The abuse of power by government and corporations1)corporations: interest groups2)FBI3)CIA--- test LSD on people used as guinea pigsDiscussion:the black-white relations in the United StatesAssignment1. Is America a melting pot or a mosaic?2. The author says that the United States was founded on the principle of human equality, but in practice the nation has fallen far short of that ideal. Illustrate this point with what you have learned from the book.3. Discuss the black-white relations in the US.1 Racial Problems = racism*theory: racial hierarchy, racial excusion (eg. White supremacy/superiority)*discrimination against blacks and other minorities:Anglo-saxon -majorityHispanicsThe blacks -11.7%- minoritiesNative AmericansAsian Americansthe black “underclass”(“最低层”黑人)The majority of the blacks today have failed to share in the general gains(收获) of progress made recently. The urban ghettos（黑人聚居区）now contain a permanently impoverished (贫穷的)“underclass” of habitually unemployed or underemployed（半失业的）black people. 2) the end of the slaveryThe Civil WarLincoln’s emancipation of slaves in 1863The 13th Amendment to the Constitution in1865After 1960s, many American blacks began to have a new mood. (1) Blacks felt that the black community ought to coexist with other groups.(2) Blacks felt that “black is beautiful”. (3) Blacks felt more and more proud of themselves.2 Poverty as a social problemsocially stratified American societyThe U.S is one of the most wealthy countries in the world. Yet over 24 million people or about 10% of the population are living at or below the official poverty line. There are millions more, living slightly above the poverty line, whose plight is not much better. Also, the social services in the U.S compare unfavorably with those in most industrialized societies. Furthermore, the affluent majority seems indifferent to the problems of the poor. This raises some serious moral problems and inevitably creates fierce conflicts of interest and many political controversies. Therefore,as one of the most challenging social problems facing the nation.4 Crimewhichbecame the only U.S. president to have resigned from office.---The profile of a typical criminal (典型的罪犯形象)criminal would be than*Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the37th President of the United States (1969–1974) and the only president to resign the office. He was also the 36th Vice President of the United States (1953–1961). In 1968, Nixon was elected president of the United States. The most immediate task facing President Nixon was the Vietnam War. He initially escalated the conflict, overseeing secret bombing campaigns, but soon withdrew American troops and successfully negotiated a ceasefire with North Vietnam, effectively ending American involvement in the war. His foreign policy was largely successful; he opened relations with the People's Republic of China and initiated détente with the Soviet Union. Domestically, he implemented new economic policies which called for wage and price control and the abolition of the gold standard. He was reelected by a landslide in 1972. In his second term, the nation was afflicted with economic difficulties. In the face of likely impeachment for his role in the Watergate scandal,[1] Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. Nixon was later pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford, for any federal crimes he may have committed while in office.*5 The Abuse of Power by Government and Corporations滥用职权---the abuse of power by governmentJohnson and Nixon administrations deliberately and systematically lying to the people in the war against Vietnam and in the Watergate scandal.who were unaware that they were being used as guinea pig试验品, and had caused several deaths in the process. CIA还在许多人身上进行各种实验，包括实验可使脑神经紊乱的麻醉药LSD, 被试验的人自己完全不知道他们被当成试验品。
美国社会与文化
美国社会与文化Part I Geography1. The two newest states Alaska and Hawaii are separated from the continental United States: Alaska borders on northwestern Canada, and Hawaii lies in the central Pacific. 阿拉斯加与加拿大西北部接壤，夏威夷则位于太平洋中部。
2. Of all the states of America, Alaska is the largest in area and Rhode Island the smallest. But on themainland Texas is the largest state of the country.阿拉斯加是美国面积最大的州，罗得岛州最小。
而在美国大陆，最大的州是德克萨斯州。
3. The Rockies, the backbone of the North American continent, is also known as the Continental Divide.落基山脉是北美大陆的脊梁，也被称为大陆分水岭。
4. The two main mountain ranges in America are the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky mountains. The Appalachians run slightly from northeast tosouthwest and the Rocky Mountains run slightly from northwest to southeast.阿巴拉契亚山脉和落基山脉是美国的两座达山脉。
阿巴拉契亚山脉略呈东北至西南走向，而落基山脉略呈西北至东南走向。
美国社会文化知识
口译知识:美国文化习俗杂谈王恩铭(作者简介：上海外国语大学美国文化研究专家，英语学院教授，上海市高级口译资格考试教材编写组成员，知名高级口译、高级口语教师)美国文化，从某种意义上说，是欧洲文化的延伸，因为美国人的语言、她的人口构成，以及她的立国精神都源于欧洲。
另一方面，美国文化又与欧洲不同，因为欧洲移民在北美大陆上驱赶走印第安人后，在一片荒芜旷野之地创造了令人赞叹不已的灿烂文明。
所以，在谈论美国文化习俗与社交礼义时，既要顾及欧美文化的相同性，又要注意两者的相异性。
文化习俗是个范围广泛、内容复杂的题目，涉及人在社会生活和交往中的方方面面。
笔者拟定以杂谈的形式，就美国人的文化习俗作一粗浅概述。
宽容性。
美国是个移民之国，它的祖先来自于全球各地。
人们移居美国时，不仅仅在地理位置上挪动一下，而且还把他们所在国的评议和风俗习惯带到了新的居住地。
因为杂，人们各自的差异十分突出；因为差异十分普遍，人们就不特别注重统一性。
久而久之，美国人的文化习俗中形成了较高程度的宽容性（tolerance），对异质文化和不同评议持容忍、可接受的态度。
在这一点上，美国社会里可行的习俗要比世界上其他国家来得宽泛。
从政治上讲，这种宽容性表现在对自由的追求和对自由权利的维护。
从宗教上说，它体现在不同信仰的和谐共存。
从生活范围上看，它显现在不同和族、不同族裔社区的平安相处。
一言以蔽之，在美国，每个人基本上可以任意选择不同的观念、信仰、生活方式和传统习惯；人们也可以在相当程度上保持自己的习俗和仪。
譬如，犹太人可以庆祝他们的宗教节日，而基督教徒则能够他们的圣诞节和复活节。
再譬如，美国华人可以在唐人街用华语生活和工作；同样的道理，越南移民能够在他们的"小西贡"按越南的方式经营业务，从事各种活动。
美国人的容忍性，除了上面的美国是个移民国这个因素以外，还与美国人的频繁迁徙有关。
众所周知，美国历史发展中的一个重要部分是她的西部开发史。
美国社会与文化U5 A篇
美国文化TextA The impact of the American frontier1,单词Civilization n文明，文化；开化，教化；修养；文明社会；Frontier n边疆，边境；边界，边缘；尚未开发的领域Adj边疆的，边界的；新垦地的，边地的；开拓的Heritage n 遗产；继承物；传统；文化遗产Fascinated adj着迷的；被深深吸引的V使着迷；使陶醉Reinforced vt加固；使更结实；加强；充实Vi求援；得到增援；给予更多支持N加强；加固物；加固材料Consist vt由…..组成；在于，符合Primitive adj原始的；发张水平低的；落后的；原生的N原始人；早期艺术家；单纯的人；不世故的人；自学艺术家Eventually adv终于，最后；总归；终究Reservations n保留；预定；保留地，专用地Inspiring adj鼓舞人心的；激励的；受启发的Vt鼓舞；激励；启迪Adventurous adj.爱冒险的，大胆的Literally adv逐字的；照字面的；确实的，真正地；差不多，简直Dramatic adj戏剧的，戏剧性的，引人瞩目的；激动人心的exemplifiedv是…..的典型cultivated adj耕种的；栽培的；有教养的v耕作；促进增长；教养，改善；陶冶思想self-reliance n自恃；依靠自己confine vt限制；局限于；紧闭；管制n界限，范围；国界idealized adj理想化的nostalgic adj怀旧的；乡愁的；令人怀念的urbanized V使都市化的，使文雅rugged adj崎岖的；凹凸不平的；结实的extend vt延伸；扩大；推广vt伸展；给予；延长；发出Vi伸出；延伸，增加Wilderness n荒野；荒地；不在当政；令人困惑的东西Conquered vt征服；攻克；打败；克服Vi得胜。
胜利Outlaws n歹徒，亡命之徒；逃犯；被剥夺法律保护者，丧失公权者；烈马Vt宣布……为不合法；将…..放逐；剥夺….的法律保护Prowess n英勇；高超技艺Trait n特点，特性；少许Optimism n乐观主义Challenge n挑战；盘问；质疑，怀疑Vt质疑；向….挑战Vi提出挑战，要求竞赛；驳斥Obstacles n障碍；障碍物Observed vt观察；研究Vt遵守；观察；庆祝Vi注意；说；评述；当观察员Strengthen vt加强，巩固；勉励；增加….的艺术效果；价格上涨Vi变强；变坚挺Enlarge vi扩大，放大；扩展，扩充；拉长说，详述Ranch n 大牧场，大农场，牧场工作人员Vi经营牧场；在牧场工作Vt经营牧场；在牧场饲养Chop vt砍；劈；伐N砍；剁排骨；公章，官印；出港证；登陆护照；旅行护照；掌劈；牌号；商标；品种；品质；等级Vt劈；砍；剁；切细；剁碎；开路前进；风浪突变Colonist N殖民者；殖民地居民；移民Rugged adj崎岖的；凹凸不平的；结实的Native adj本国的；土著的；天生的；纯朴的N当地人；土著人；当地产的动植物Portion n一部分；一分财产；嫁妆；分得的财产Vt把…..分成份额；分配；把…分给Purest adj纯的；单纯的；纯真的；干净的Silver n银；银币；银制品；银色Adj银制的；像银的；银色的；银白色的Vt镀银；是具有银色光泽；使….变成银色Individualism n个人主义；利己主义；自由放任主义；个性；独特性；不干涉主义Institutions n机构；惯例；制度；规定；建立；社会事业机构；名人；名物Territory n领土；势力范围Wagons n四轮的运货马车；铁路货车；小手推车；囚车Vt用运货马车运输货物Heroism n 英雄行为Pioneers 拓荒者2短语Take over 夺取，接管Take off 起飞，移除More than 超过，非常，不仅仅Be fascinated by 着迷于Consist of 由——组成One after another 一个又一个Come to do sth开始做————Break promises 撕毁诺言Have a view of 有一个——样的观点To be sure 确定的是Turn into 转变成Fertile land 沃土Race into 向——进军Lead sb to do sth/lead to sb doing sth导致某人做某事In a form 以一个——形式Be associated with 和——有关Tend to 往往会——See/look on/view sth as 把——看做为——As a basis 作为基础Be free from 从---独立，脱离Be idealized by 被---视为理想Make sb a model of 把某人塑造成一个模范Be drawn from 因---而憔悴At one time 一次Under the circumstance 在这种环境下Have an effect on 对---有一个影响A sense of 一个---的意识Be proud of/take pride in 以---为骄傲Land on 登陆On earth 究竟Be placed on 在于Take the place of 代替，取代3难句翻译（1）第一段最后一句：He was often----------------------------------boots and hat.译文：通过邀请及记者拍下他在他的德克萨斯大农场穿着牛仔靴子和戴着牛仔帽的照片，小布什使这种牛仔形象更加强烈。
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American Family1.The middle-aged people and elderly people generally live with their married children in America(F)2.The nuclear family is the fundamental family pattern in the United States now(T)3.In the post-civil war period,the African American family in the South was not only more nuclear,but also more male dominated(T)4.In America,The pre-industrial family is a kind of Democratic family(F)5.Mother and Father equally have the final say on family matters in most modern American families(T)6.Upper-class families don’t aspire to be upwardly mobile because they are always there(T)7.What does a nuclear family consist of (B)A.parents and family kin or other members of the communityB.it consists of parents and their dependent or minor children onlyC.it consists of two parents and their children8.Who takes care of the dependent children in a one-parent family in America?(C)A.The grandparentsB.The governmentC.mother and father9.Many American children must develop self-dependent to adjust themselves to (C)A.their parent’s unhappy marriageB.the new lifestyle of American familyC.dramatic social and economic change in new century10.Which of the following is not the effects of the Women’s Liberation movement in the 1960’s(B)A.women should have the same social and economic rights and priviledges as menB.women should go out to start their own business instead of staying at home to take care of their childrenC.women should obtained many political and legal rights previously open to men11.Which of the following statements is not ture?(C)A.In America,individuals freely contracted marriage based on love in modern family patternB.In 19th century,children were largely used as labor force, making children earn a living was seen not only as economically necessary but also morally soundC.In African American family,the slave can choose their husbands and wives by themselvesAmerican Education1 The expenditure in American public schools is guided or decided by (D)A.TeachersB. StudentsC. headmastersD. boards of education2 In the US school systems, which of the follow decision is true?(C)A.Elementary school, grammar schoolB.Elementary school, junior high schoolC.Elementary school, secondary schoolD.unior high school, senior high school3 Three of the following universities have large endowments from wealthy benefactors . which is the exception?(B)A.Harvard universityB.The state university of New YorkC.Yale universityD.Princeton university4 Both public and private universities depend on the following sources of income except(A)A.InvestmentB. student tuition C endowments D government funding5 How many percent of American students go to public schools? (A)85% B. 65% C 50% D 25%6 American middle school system is consist if middle school and high school, the high school is divided into junior high school and senior high school. (T)7 The basic classes of middle school are math, English, PE, history, and health (T)8 Children start school when they are six years old, in some states they must stay in school until they are fifteen.(F)9.Parent do not have to pay for education of the public school, because the schools receive many from the government(T)10. It’s false that most people stereotype the American middle school is easy to pass.(T)American labour1.From what we know of the original African families from which many black Americans came.(T)2.The Japanese worked hard for low pay and without complaining.(T)3.In the nineteenth century in Mexican American families Husbands raised cattle and wives tended the housework!(T)4.It was not until in the 1850s that working men's societies made a comeback.(T)Reason: Before 1860, union members never exceeded 1% of total labor force. From then on , labors has risen up5.In the United States, the balance of power is different from other advanced industrial nations. It's true?(T)Reason: in the US, the power is clearly in favor of the employers. So, most of them look after business interests first, welfare of labor.6.The AFL-CIO is especially connected with global trade issue.(T)7.National Labor Relations Board isn't an independent federal agency.(F)8.What did the workers want to gain in the labor movement?A: material status and social status9.Which law became the first law to prohibit racial discrimination?(B)A. Taft-Hartley ActB. Fair Employment ActC. National Labor or Relations Act10.Which one is not American national trade union organizations?(D)A. AFL-CIOB. IWW (Industrial Workers of the WorldC. Ctw (Change to Win Federation)D. ILD (International Labor Organization)American values and characteristicsQuestion: true or false for American values and characteristics1 In 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued the famous Emancipation Proclamation to ablish the slavery。