American Cultural Studies: A Reader shows how the burgeoning field of cultural studies has developed in the U.S. Introducing vital concepts, arguments, theories, and disciplinary debates, the book is an exciting panorama of great writing and powerful ideas illustrating a uniquely American response to questions of power and identity in the politics of culture. More than forty selections from key figures in "new journalism," cultural theory, the social sciences, humanities, and visual arts are gathered together in seven sections, each one introduced by helpful notes. The book also includes illustrations emphasizing the themes of each section. An introductory chapter explains the editorial selection and offers a new account of cultural studies and American studies in relation to American culture. The epilogue suggests new ways - via the Internet - of doing cultural studies and of thinking about America.