About the Activities

Indians, Virginia and Massachusetts colonists and their descendants, endless flows of immigrants from many countries have been shaping the USA for nearly four centuries. Other people living in the lands with much longer history may say that this young age is the only excuse for the nation that challenges business, politics, sports, music, space ... not only within the country but outside either.

What do you know about the USA? It is definitely not a rhetorical question. You know a lot due to television, press or the Internet. Some people are even concerned about Americanization. Just to prove it think of the answers to the following questions:

• What movie did you go to last time?
• Who are your favorite singers?
• What soft drink do you have when in a diner or simply thirsty?
• What store do you go to buy, say, some food? (A supermarket?!)

The purpose of the Online American Studies Activities is to go beyond the existing knowledge and put some light on issues known to a few.

America is not only Hollywood or MTV all the way round. It is also one of the oldest democracies in the world. It abounds in beautiful places which are destinations for many overseas tourists. It is home for many renowned universities, and it is the country that is still adding colors to its ethnical diversity.

Another purpose of the course is to encourage you to look closer at our country. While discussing some American realities you will be welcomed if you try to give some parallels with Russia or China, or Japan as long as the last two countries are your majors.

What seems to be also important it is advancement of your language skills and your ability to effectively seek, evaluate and use the Internet resources.

It might be assumed that you will encounter some trouble trying to get the message of the proposed articles or other data from the Internet. But you should not get disappointed. On the contrary this is a challenge to enjoy. Give a start and soon you will realize that you can handle such troubles well.

I hope you will enjoy the Online American Studies Activities and the discoveries you are going to make will broaden your mind and inspire you to continue your researches on the USA.

Erdem Dugarov,
Senior English Language Instructor,
Department of English Language for Intercultural Communication (DELIC), ESSTU,
Ulan-Ude, Buryatia, Russia.