A Survey of the United Kingdom and the United States of America is a collection of articles written by American, British and Chinese professors in the related fields. It covers many topics including philosophy, history, geography, politics, economy, education, culture and society. While the information is authentic and up--to-date, the language, being tailored to the needs of learners of English, is easy to read, and even to remember. At the end of each chapter, there are questions offered for reflection or discussion, and notes provided for better understanding. When reading the chapters, learners can not only gain knowledge but improve their English proficiency.

CHAPTER 1 PHILOSOPHY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION

 I.Introduction

 II.Greek Rationalism

 III.The Middle Ages

 IV.The Renaissance

 V.Modern Philosophy

 VI.Modern Philosophical Trends

 VII.Summary

CHAPTER 2 GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

 I.Introduction

 II.General Characteristics of the United Kingdom

 III.Water: The Key Geographical Feature

 IV.Geographical History

 V.Surface Features and Geography--by Political Region

 VI.Current Situation

 VII.Commonwealth

CHAPTER 3 HISTORY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

 I.Prehistory to the Norman Conquest

 II.The Making of a Nation: From the Norman Conquest to the Renaissance

 III.The Tudors: Sea Power and Protestantism

 IV.Founding of the British Empire

 V.England in Revolution: Representative and Constitutional Goverment

 VI.England in the Eighteenth Century : The Age of Reason

 VII.Napoleonic Wars and a Century of Slow Reforms

 VIII.Nineteenth Century Imperialism

 IX.Twentieth-Century England: Crisis of Identity

 Appendixes

CHAPTER 4 BRITISH ECONOMY

 I.Introduction

 II.Highlights of Britain's Economic Development

 III.Britain's Prosperity Today

 IV.Britain's Economic System: A Unique Mix

 V.Consumer Expenditure

 VI.Industrial Structure and Output

 VII.International Trade

 VIII.Taxation and Public Spending

 IX.Economic Policy

CHAPTER 5 BRITISH CULTURE

 I.Introduction

 II.The British People--General Traits

 III.Entertainment

 IV.Conclusion

CHAPTER 6 BRITISH EDUCATION

 I.Introduction

 II.Medieval England--Church and Class

 III.Renaissance Education

 IV.Eighteenth Century--What Is Correct English

 V.Nineteenth Century--Class Struggle and Change

 VI.Twentieth Century--Reform, Socialism and Conservatism

 VII.Conclusion

CHAPTER 7 GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES

 I.Introduction

 II.Economic Activities

 III.Rural, Suburban, and Urban Living Patterns

 IV.Physiographic Subdivisions of the United States

 V.Geologic Processes Shape the Nation's Physical and Human Geography

 VI.Energy and Mineral Resources Required for a Modern Society

 VII.Summary: The United States--"A Land of Contrasts"

CHAPTER 8 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

 I.Introduction

 II.Native Americans

 III.Colonial North America

 IV.The Founding of the United States

 V.Forming A New Nation

 VI.Nationalism and the Economy

 VII.Westward Expansion

 VIII.The Industrial Revolution and Social Reforms

 IX.The American Civil War and Reconstruction

 X.Industrialization, Capitalism, and Monopolies

 XI.The United States Becomes a World Power

 XII.The Post World War I Period

 XIII.World War I1

 XIV.The Post World War II Period (1945 - 1989)

 XV.Modern Times

 XVI.Conclusion

Appendixes

CHAPTER 9 BRITISH AND AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

 I.Introduction

 II.Politics

 III.Political Legitimacy

 IV.Absolutism and Constitutionalism

 V.Democracy

 VI.Indirect or Representative Democracy

 VII.Elections

 VIII.The Assembly Model

 IX.Conclusion

 Appendixes

CHAPTER 10 THE ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES

 I.Introduction and Overview

 II.History and Growth

 III.Commercial and Nonprofit Firms

 IV.Households

 V.Government and the Economy

 VI.International Trade

 VII.Problems and Challenges for the U.S. Economy

CHAPTER 11 AMERICAN SOCIETY

 I.Introduction

 II.Individuals

 III.Families

 IV.Groups

 V.Organizations

 VI.Socioeconomic Classes, Status and Roles

 VII.Race and Ethnicity

 VIII.Other Social Issues

 IX.Social Changes and Global Connections

CHAPTER 12 AMERICAN CULTURE

 I.Introduction

 II.Materialism and the Mass Media

 III.Individual Style and Personal Rites of Passage

 IV.Manners

 V.Food and Meals

 VI.Housing

 VII.Pets

 VIII.Leisure Activities

 IX.Holidays

 X.American Values

CHAPTER 13 EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES

 I. Introduction

 II.Issues in American Basic Education

 III.Higher Education

 IV.Conclusion