U.S.A.-Z

Internet Resources

Students will find this web page an easy guide to internet resources that can help with school assignments and other projects.

Some documents are available in English only. Others are also available in French and Dutch language versions.

If you still do not find what you are looking for, please send an email to myamericadotbe@gmail.com. Your feedback and suggestions are also most welcome.

Be sure to check our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Students will find this web page an easy guide to internet resources that can help with school assignments and other projects.

GENERAL TOPICS

http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/: a complete encyclopedia on the the United States

USA Map with Facts in Brief
This brochure features a full-color map of the United States. It includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population.

Snapshot USA English | Dutch | French
Type the phrase "United States" into the Google search engine and 3,370,000,000 listings come up on the computer screen. Clearly, there is no shortage of published content about this country. As we researched this issue of eJournal USA, however, we realized that a new publication, tailored to the current generation of young people from outside the United States, could fill a niche. Our title for this issue, "Snapshot USA," conveys this approach. We offer some fundamental facts and build on these to describe a little of how Americans think about their country and the world, to provide a picture of who we are now.

USA Economy in Brief: English
This mini-publication discusses the factors that make the U.S. economy the worlds most productive, competitive, and influential. It focuses on workers and productivity, small and large business, the service economy, goods and services, the role of government, and the concept of "creative destruction," the process where jobs, companies, entire industries come and go because of their success or failure in the marketplace. USA Economy in Brief includes colorful charts to illustrate, for instance, U.S. annual exports and imports and the U.S. trade deficit.

USA Literature in Brief:
USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present. Major literary figures are discussed in detail, as are their major works. Brief discussions of cultural periods and movements such as romanticism, transcendentalism, and modernism put individuals in context and lend perspective. This condensed version of Outline of American Literature highlights major achievers and important works in the canon.

USA History in Brief: English | Dutch | French
The first title in the new "In Brief" series, this publication summarizes in a few thousand words the history of how the United States was founded and the forces and events that shaped the dynamic and varied country that it has become today.

SPECIFIC TOPICS

English

Dynamic English English | Dutch | French

Discusses forces that shape and change everyday English. From cultural and international influences, such as words that come directly, or in a changed form from another language, to popular media, including movies, music and sports, to changes arising from technological developments, the authors present examples of ways English changes daily. Other articles describe the process of language change, and tips for deciphering slang.

Society and values

American Popular Music English
American popular music is a kaleidoscopic mélange of styles and dreams. Its vibrancy reflects the mating of cultural diversity to artistic and creative freedom. The stories in this book illustrate how Americans, borrowing from diverse musical traditions, have contributed to humanity’s universal language.

Freedom of Faith English | Dutch | French

The principle of religious freedom is a cherished right in the United States, one that has historical roots older than the formation of the nation itself. In the 21st century, the United States pulses with a unique cultural chemistry brought on by a wave of immigration which has brought followers of more diverse faiths to many communities. This edition of eJournal USA examines how the nation adjusts to these demographic changes to remain true to the principles of freedom of faith.

The Civil Rights Movement and the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
A history of the contemporary civil rights movement in the United States, including a chronology of key events, brief biographical information on two centuries of African-American leaders, and excerpts from Kings speeches and writings.

Disability and Ability English | Dutch | French
With support, people can overcome even severe disabilities while maximizing their abilities and lead fulfilling and productive lives. This journal presents some aspects of such efforts. We hope you will enjoy reading about the Americans with Disabilities law and about the programs underway to help turn disabilities into abilities, from accommodation to technology and medical research. Opening opportunities and removing barriers to people with disabilities is a work in progress, but as you will see in some of these articles, the results can be truly inspiring.

National Parks, National Legacy English | Dutch | French

The people of the United States own and protect a sprawling system of national parks, including seashores, trails, monuments, and battlefields. All American citizens are, in a sense, stewards of sites where history unfolded, where mountains soar, and where rivers run. They keep these parks for the future, and they treasure them today. As former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “There is nothing so American as our national parks. The scenery and wildlife are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is native. It is, in brief, that the country belongs to the people.” This edition of eJournalUSA presents glorious views of the national parks, the history of this vast system, and its mission of conservation and public access.

Entrepreneurship

Principles of Entrepreneurship
Economists and business people differ in their definitions of entrepreneurship. Most, however, agree that entrepreneurship is vital for stimulating economic growth and employment opportunities in all societies. This is particularly true in the developing world, where successful small businesses are the primary engines of job creation and poverty reduction. This page introduces the first eight of what eventually will be a series of 21 one-page primers on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. It discusses the essentials for building and running a business from the planning stages to marketing a product.

Environment & Energy

The Greening of U.S. Corporations English | Dutch | French

This issue of eJournal USA delves into what those familiar with the history of the environmental movement in the United States might see as a surprising trend — the way U.S. corporations in recent years have embraced environmentally friendly ways of doing business. What prompts a corporation to “go green”?

Clean Energy Solutions English | Dutch | French

Projected dramatic increases in energy consumption in the coming decades, combined with a higher risk of climate change, require a massive global response based on technological innovation and the power of the marketplace. Experts and government officials describe the options before us, including renewable energy, novel vehicles, and low-carbon power generation, and discuss the best ways leading to a sustainable energy future.

Politics, Government and Elections

The Electoral College English

More than 100 million voters are likely to cast ballots in nationwide U.S. elections November 4. But only 538 men and women will elect the next president of the United States, and those elections will take place in 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., December 15. This indirect election system, called the Electoral College and devised in 1787 by the framers of the Constitution, puzzles Americans and non-Americans alike. It reflects the federal governing system of allocating powers not only to a national government and to the people but also to the states.

The Long Campaign: U.S. Elections 2008 English | Dutch | French

This document presents an introduction to the upcoming 2008 U.S. elections. In these elections, U.S. voters will have the opportunity to vote for president and vice president, congressional representatives, state and local officials, and ballot initiatives. The journal describes aspects of this election which make it different from most recent elections and includes a pro-con debate of the Electoral College.

Youth

World Youth Building a Future English | Dutch | French

This eJournal pens a window on the real life experiences of young people who have left home and family to participate in an international exchange program. Young American adults offer first-person accounts of their discoveries in educational programs abroad, and exchange students from various other countries share their insights about adjusting to life and family customs in the United States.

Studying in the United States

If You Want to Study in the United States
An update and revision of the popular series of booklets for students considering higher education in the United States. Click on the title above to view those booklets. Check back in the coming months for the fourth booklet in the series: Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States.

College and University Education in the United States

From the many types of institutions to the virtually unlimited array of programs and majors, the universities and colleges in the United States reflect the diversity, tolerance, and pursuit of excellence that characterize the best of the country as a whole. Through this journal, prospective international students and their parents and advisors will learn about the American system of higher education and academic and student life at U.S. colleges and universities.

Undergraduate Study
Discusses bachelors and associate degree programs, as well as technical and vocational education opportunities in the United States. It takes the prospective student step-by-step through the process of choosing colleges, completing applications, and obtaining a student visa. (2003)

Graduate and Professional Study and Research
Covers masters and doctoral degrees and postdoctoral programs, plus certification and licensing procedures for professionals and programs for scholars. It also includes information on the application and visa processes.

Short-Term Study, English Language Programs, Distance Education, and Accreditation
Provides information on opportunities to study in the United States for up to one year; descriptions of programs available for acquiring or improving English language skills; an overview of studying towards a degree, diploma, or certificate from outside the United States through distance education programs; and an explanation of accreditation, the system used to ensure quality of U.S. institutions of higher education. (2002)

Resources for Teachers

Historians on America
Historians on America is a series of individual essays that selects specific moments, decisions, and intellectual or legislative or legal developments and explains how they altered the course of U.S. history. The book consists of 11 separate essays by major historians, ranging from The Trial of John Peter Zenger in 1735 to The Immigration Act of 1965. (September 2007)

Outline of U.S. History
A chronological look at how the United States took shape -- from its origins as an obscure set of colonies on the Atlantic coast a little more than 200 years ago into what one political analyst today calls "the first universal nation." This fully illustrated edition has been completely revised and updated by Alonzo L. Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University. (November 2005)

Outline of American Geography
Considers the physical environment of the United States â€” landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation â€” in terms of its impact on the countrys cultural, regional, and political development. (November 1998)

Outline of American Literature
The Outline of American literature, newly revised, traces the paths of American narrative, fiction, poetry and drama as they move from pre-colonial times into the present, through such literary movements as romanticism, realism and experimentation. (December 2006)

Outline of U.S. Legal System
This Outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies. (December 2004)

Outline of the U.S. Economy
Examines how the U.S. economy works and how it has evolved over the past 225 years. Considers forms of business enterprise, the role of financial markets, how government shapes the economy and seeks to manage the pace of economic activity, the agricultural sector and U.S. farm policy, the changing role of labor, and current U.S. policies on trade and international economic affairs. (February 2001)

Outline of the U.S. Government
What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of "checks and balances"

Thematic List

ABOUT AMERICA: THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#the_constitution (JULY 2004)

ABOUT AMERICA, EDWARD R. MURROW, JOURNALISM AT ITS BEST: http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#murrow (APRIL 2006)

SPANISH VERSION AT: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/edmurrowsp.pdf#popup

ABOUT AMERICA: HOW THE U.S. IS GOVERNED:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#governed (OCTOBER 2005)

ABOUT AMERICA: WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#women

(NOVEMBER 2006)

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/fr-womenofinfluence.pdf#popup

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: A LEGACY OF FREEDOM, now online at www.America.gov

Published during the bicentennial year of Lincoln’s birth, this book describes this self-educated common man who supplied the leadership and the moral force that bound Americans together and carried them to victory through their greatest crisis.

AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC: ROCK, FOLK, JAZZ and many other styles: (2008) http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#music

RELATED: JAZZ IN AMERICA: PHOTO GALLERY: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/30145/jazz_gallery/

ART ON THE EDGE: 17 CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN ARTISTS:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#art_edge (NOVEMBER 2004)

RELATED: ARTS IN AMERICA: PHOTO GALLERY: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/30145/arts_america/

BARACK OBAMA: 44^th President of the United States (BIOGRAPHY-ENGLISH VERSION)

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#obama

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/fr/publications/books/obama_bio_f.pdf#popup

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IN HIS OWN WORDS, includes the complete text of the inaugural address.

http://www.america.gov/publications/books/obama_speech.html (HTML VERSION)

http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/obama_speech.pdf (PDF VERSION)

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION: HOW THE TRANSITION WORKS: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/0109.html

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/fr/publications/ejournalusa.html

BEING MUSLIM IN AMERICA: http://www.america.gov/publications/books/being-muslim-in-america.html

CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT: FREE AT LAST: January 2009

http://www.america.gov/publications/books-content/free-at-last.html

DEMOCRACY IN BRIEF: http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#democracy_brief

PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY: http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#democracy

DEMOCRACY IS THE RIGHT TO DISSENT:

http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1584854822;

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE:

http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1355446975

E-JOURNAL USA: "MARKETS AND DEMOCRACY,"

http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/0608.html

EDUCATION IN BRIEF: USA EDUCATION IN BRIEF

      http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#education_brief

ELECTIONS IN BRIEF: 2008 EDITION (ELECTIONS IN THE USA)

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#elect

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS: 2006 edition

http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html#0106

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/ejs/0106f.pdf#popup

RELATED: America.gov video on ENTREPRENEURSHIP: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1351244738

RELATED: America.gov video on Online Micro-Lending: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1351244738

PRINCIPLES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP (DECEMBER 2007):

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#entrepreneur

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/fr/publications/brochures/principes-entrepreneuriat.html

FOCUS ON: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#ipr (JANUARY 2006)

RELATED: GLOSSARY OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TERMS: http://www.america.gov/st/econ-english/2008/April/20080429233718eaifas0.3043067.html

RELATED: SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: http://www.america.gov/st/econ-english/2008/April/20080429235644eaifas0.1053299.html

HUMAN RIGHTS:

HUMAN RIGHTS IN BRIEF

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#0308 ( 2008)

RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE: http://www.america.gov/publications/books/rightspeople.html

EJournal USA: "SIXTY YEARS: CELEBRATING THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/1108.html

PowerPoint: "UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: CELEBRATING 60 YEARS: https://infocentral.state.gov/uploads/Ou/1s/Ou1scruosqExa845NxP5Eg/Human-Rights-Univ-Decl-60th-Anniv-111908.ppt

JUSTICE FOR ALL: THE LEGACY OF THURGOOD MARSHALL AND THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS: JANUARY 2007

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#thurgood

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/marshall_fr.pdf#popup

JOURNALISM:

HANDBOOK OF INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM:

(JULY 2006): http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#handbook

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/press_handbook_french.pdf#popup

RELATED: America.gov Video: New Media, New Challenges: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1388771046

SEEKING FREE AND RESPONSIBLE MEDIA: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html#responsible_media

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/ejs/0203f.pdf#popup

MEDIA MAKING CHANGE: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html#mmc

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/ejs/mmc_fr.pdf#popup

RELATED: AMERICA.GOV PHOTO GALLERY ON FREEDOM OF THE PRESS: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/39/press_freedom_2007/

RELATED: NEW MEDIA: A NEW ERA:

http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=138877

RELATED: NEW MEDIA: MOVING FORWARD:

http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=138877

RELATED: NEW MEDIA: GOVERNMENT 2.0:

http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=7415786001

RELATED: America.gov on PRESS FREEDOM: http://democracy.america.gov/democracy/press-freedom/index.html

RELATED: INTERNET RESOURCES ON FREEDOM OF THE PRESS: http://www.america.gov/st/freepress-english/2008/April/20080518200913WRybakcuH0.3037683.html

MEDIA EMERGING: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa.html#media_emerging

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/ejs/0306ejfr.pdf#popup

RELATED: INTERNET RESOURCES FOR NEW AND EMERGING MEDIA: http://www.america.gov/st/freepress-english/2008/August/20080901231902SrenoD0.3343927.html

A RESPONSIBLE PRESS OFFICE:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#press

HANDBOOK OF INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM: http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#handbook

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/press_handbook_french.pdf#popup

RELATED: America.gov VIDEO ON NEW MEDIA, NEW CHALLENGES: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1388771046

AMERICAN HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT and the U.S. LEGAL SYSTEM:

OUTLINE OF U.S. GOVERNMENT:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#us_gov

(SEPTEMBER 2000)

OUTLINE OF U.S. HISTORY:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#history-outline (NOVEMBER 2005)

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITIONS: PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION: HOW THE TRANSITION WORKS: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/0109.html

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/fr/publications/ejournalusa.html

BARACK OBAMA: 44^th President of the United States (BIOGRAPHY-ENGLISH VERSION)

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#obama

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/fr/publications/books/obama_bio_f.pdf#popup

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IN HIS OWN WORDS, includes the complete text of the inaugural address.

http://www.america.gov/publications/books/obama_speech.html (HTML VERSION)

http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/obama_speech.pdf (PDF VERSION)

U.S. HISTORY IN BRIEF http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#hist_brief

RELATED: THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

OUTLINE OF THE U.S. LEGAL SYSTEM:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#uslegal (DECEMBER 2004)

RELATED: INTERNET RESOURCES ON AMERICAN HISTORY:

http://www.america.gov/st/educ-english/2008/April/20080423211817eaifas0.1189234.html

HOW THE U.S. IS GOVERNED. A PRIMER FOR STUDENTS:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#governed

RELATED: GLOSSARY OF HOW THE US IS GOVERNED: http://www.america.gov/st/usg-english/2008/June/20080628221700eaifas0.3557093.html

MAP OF USA WITH FACTS IN BRIEF:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#usamap

RELATED: GUIDE TO THE US ELECTIONS 2008: http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/index.html

OUTLINE OF U.S. GEOGRAPHY: REGIONAL LANDSCAPES OF THE UNITED STATES. http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#geo

RELATED: America. Gov VIDEO: Portraits of America: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1341023341

RELATED: America.gov VIDEO: I am America: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/video.html?videoId=1365214146

STUDY IN THE USA:

IF YOU WANT TO STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES:

http://educationusa.state.gov/ (MARCH 2007)

RELATED: See You in the USA: The Basics of Coming to the US: http://www.america.gov/publications/ejournalusa/0905.html

"SKETCHBOOK USA," (https://infocentral.state.gov/uploads/sb/Vm/sbVmg-8Pj0OWOO9Swz_vYA/StateDept_book_spread-6MB.pdf)  provides an overview of the United States and its people

STUDENT CORNER IN ENGLISH:

http://www.america.gov/publications/student-corner.html

LITERATURE, ARTS AND MUSIC:

USA LITERATURE IN BRIEF: http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#lit_brief

OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE: http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#amlit

WRITERS ON AMERICA:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#writers

RELATED: America.gov Photo Gallery on American Literature: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/30145/outine_lit/

RELATED: Bibliography on American Literature: http://www.america.gov/st/arts-english/2008/May/20080516134821eaifas0.5370752.html

EDGAR ALLAN POE: DREAMS OF: http://www.america.gov/publications/books/poe.html

AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC: ROCK, FOLK, JAZZ and many other styles: (2008) http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#music

RELATED: JAZZ IN AMERICA: PHOTO GALLERY: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/30145/jazz_gallery/

ART ON THE EDGE: 17 CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN ARTISTS:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#art_edge (NOVEMBER 2004)

RELATED: ARTS IN AMERICA: PHOTO GALLERY: http://www.america.gov/multimedia/photogallery.html#/30145/arts_america/

ECONOMY:

OUTLINE OF THE U.S. ECONOMY: http://www.america.gov/publications/books/economy-in-brief.html (REVISED FEBRUARY 2001)

RELATED: America.gov Pages on Achieving Growth through Open Markets: http://fpolicy.america.gov/fpolicy/econ/index.html

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:

http://www.america.gov/publications/books.html#women (NOVEMBER 2006)

FRENCH VERSION: http://www.america.gov/media/pdf/books/fr-womenofinfluence.pdf#popup