This provocative new collection shows how the burgeoning field of cultural studies has developed in the U.S. Introducing vital concepts, arguments, theories, and disciplinary debates, American Cultural Studies: A Reader is a panorama of great writing and powerful ideas. It illustrates 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. A general 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.