This single-volume biographical encyclopedia offers fascinating coverage of notable American women who have been proven leaders and activists in both the political and social realms. Including women from a wide range of regions, time periods, and cultural backgrounds, A to Z of American Women Leaders and Activists features U.S. government officials, state and local officeholders as well as suffragist leaders, women’s liberation leaders, and leaders in other sociopolitical movements. Basic biographical information is included in each of the almost 150 entries, along with an in-depth analysis of each woman’s achievements and contributions.
Revisionist historian Howard Zinn, most well known for his monumental People's History of the United States, here turns his crystal-clear lens of historical criticism to the cherished myths of American politics. After first defining "American ideology" as "a dominant pattern of ideas" in whose company belong such notions as "democracy," "national security," "free press," etc., Zinn proceeds to examine each of these tenets in more detail.
In a trial in California, Navajo defendants argue that using the hallucinogen peyote to achieve spiritual exaltation is protected by the Constitution's free exercise of religion clause, trumping the states' right to regulate them. An Ibo man from Nigeria sues Pan American World Airways for transporting his mother's corpse in a cloth sack. Her arrival for the funeral facedown in a burlap bag signifies death by suicide according to the customs of her Ibo kin, and brings great shame to the son. In Los Angeles, two Cambodian men are prosecuted for attempting to eat a four month-old puppy. The immigrants' lawyers argue that the men were following their own "national customs" and do not realize their conduct is offensive to "American sensibilities." What is the just decision in each case? When cultural practices come into conflict with the law is it legitimate to take culture into account? Is there room in modern legal systems for a cultural defense?
Scientific American Mind - Humans see, humans do (№2, April/May 2006)
Added by: Kyla | Karma: 209.07 | Periodicals | 6 February 2009
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Self-Reflections It was one of those seemingly mundane moments, but I was thunderstruck when I realized the implications. Tossing on a cardigan, I happened to notice my toddler intently staring at me to figure out how to push a button through a hole in her sweater. Suddenly, I realized how much we learn how to do things and how to behave around others just by watching and copying. At the time, nearly a decade ago, I had little idea about how extensively my child was mentally rehearsing my actions as she studied me. Since then, science has learned much more. When we see someone engaged in any activity—yawning, dancing, smiling—cells called mirror neurons that are scattered throughout the brain create an instant replay in our heads. Investigators believe that these cells may be the keys to cultural development and may even be responsible for humanity’s collective “great leap forward” 50,000 years ago, as David Dobbs explains in his article, “A Revealing Reflection.” Turn to page 22 to learn more.
Listen and Learn 101 American English idioms (Book+Audio) Publication Date: 1996 Primary Category: Citizenship/American Culture. Language Level: Intermediate Education Sector. High School, Pre-University (Intensive type programs), Adult Education How much dirt is there in a hole exactly one foot deep and one foot wide? None. A hole is empty! Students' minds will be far from empty with this humorous book! Riddles provide a wealth of opportunity to gain new insights into the American English language and culture. Each one is accompanied by text that helps ESL students master the underlying linguistic and cultural reasons why the joke is funny. For example, How do you keep a rhinoceros from charging? (Take away his credit cards) points out the double meaning of the word charge. Categories include riddles whose solutions depend on a play on words or cultural understanding, or those that present a logic problem. Comic art makes this a delightful way to learn English! • Audio CD: The audio CD contains readings of each of the 101 idioms, so you can hear how American English sounds and practice what you have learned.
