Reading and Writing for Civic Literacy by
'Lazere's [book] is heaven-sent and will provide a crucial link in the chain of understanding how conflicts are structured and, most importantly, how they can be rationally addressed - a healthy antidote to the scepticism that has become so pervasive in academic life.' Alan Hausman, Hunter College This innovative book addresses the need for college students to develop critical reading, writing, and thinking skills for self-defence in the contentious arena of American civic rhetoric. In a groundbreaking reconception of composition theory, it presents a comprehensive critical perspective on American public discourse and practical methods for its analysis. Exercises following the text sections and readings help students understand the ideological positions and rhetorical patterns that underlie opposing viewpoints in current controversies - such as the growing inequality of wealth in America and its impact on the finances of college students - as expressed in paired sets of readings from the political left and right. Widely debated issues of whether objectivity is possible and whether there is a liberal or conservative bias in news and entertainment media, as well as in education itself, are foregrounded as topics for rhetorical analysis.
American Government by 
CLEP American Government Study Guide - Ace the CLEP by 
Learn about the United States by 
Contemporary Supreme Court Cases by
Through the examination of these cases, the authors provide readers with an understanding of the significant role that the Supreme Court performs in shaping the boundaries of governmental power and contours of individual rights and liberties. The review of these modern decisions is provided against a historical backdrop that affords perspective and enriched context. Selection of the landmark decision (Roe v. Wade) as a departure point makes the book particularly useful in understanding the Court's impact upon contemporary American society. Given the controversial nature of this decision, which recognized a woman's liberty to elect an abortion, it also serves as a portal for examining the points and counterpoints with respect to the Court's function. Treadlines during this period profile a Court that grew increasingly cautious in charting constitutional rights and liberties and equality principles and less amenable to unbridled expansion of federal power. Through processes of review that limit protected speech or reflect less concern when speech is burdened by regulation that is not content-based or does not target expression directly, for instance, the Court has imposed significant curbs upon the First Amendment. Overall, the Supreme Court has become increasingly assertive in reviewing congressional power to regulate in areas that fall within the historical province of the states. This work engenders an appreciation for how constitutional power, rights, and liberties are not a constant over time but works in progress that are subject to the ebb and flow of judicial philosophy. Written for a general audience and particularly accessible for non-law school students and non-lawyers, fact and summary boxes provide quick insight and understanding of cases. Entries include Craig v. Boren (1976), Illinois v. Gates (1983), Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Chadha (1983), Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union (1992), United States v. Virginia (1996), Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), Lawrence v. Texas (2003), Hamdi v. Rumsfeld (2004), and many others. In addition, a glossary defines key terms.