America at Odds: Alternate Edition - Softcover

Sidlow, Edward I.; Henschen, Beth

2.71

14 ratings by Goodreads

9780534601331: America at Odds: Alternate Edition

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0534601332 ISBN 13: 9780534601331

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 2005

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Known for its provocative and engaging issues approach, topical organization, and economical length, AMERICA AT ODDS: ALTERNATE EDITION--which excludes coverage of policy--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 encourage students to read about American politics and government and to participate in the political system. 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.

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About the Author:

Edward Sidlow is professor of political science at Eastern Michigan University, and is also EMU's Faculty Representative to the NCAA. Sidlow received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1979. He teaches broadly in the area of American politics, and has published two books on Congress in addition to numerous articles in professional journals. Prior to his work at EMU, Sidlow served on the faculties of Arizona State University, Miami (OH) University, and Northwestern University, and was an academic administrator at Loyola University Chicago. He has won awards for outstanding teaching at Miami, Northwestern, and EMU, and is often called upon by print and electronic media for political analysis.

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."

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