Teachers: Order a free copy of this book from the ASRC

Ashbee begins very sensibly by addressing the very notion of studying American Studies. Any American Studies student will have sighed when hearing the same old question thrown at them, 'American Studies? What's that?!' To many newcomers of the subject it is an excellent starting point as Ashbee concisely informs the reader exactly why the study of America is so relevant. American Studies has grown in popularity and particularly since 9/11. Ashbee emphasises America's topicality and relevance in the world we live in today, highlighting US foreign policy and discussing the notion of the US as a hyperpower, also due to its assumed world policeman status (no Team America jokes please). For a guide to a course there is actually a substantial amount of background information provided, such as the notion of the American Dream; the impact of the US on the rest of the world as Americanisation permeates the globe and also global attitudes towards the US. America can mean freedom to some, but the opposite to others as we have most notably witnessed in recent years.

Ashbee includes information on course content and subject areas, such as history, politics, literature and culture and the benefits of both the multi and interdisciplinary aspect of American Studies. By no means for use as a textbook, the subjects are broken down in such a way as merely to give students an overview of the topics they are likely to cover, such as the Civil War, the Presidency and Congress and major American authors. Ashbee successfully conveys how the understanding o£ these varied yet connected topics is enhanced, because of the multi and interdisciplinary approach. What is particularly effective about his style of writing and structure of the book is the way in which fairly complex concepts are simplistically conveyed, whether Ashbee is referring to Marxism or the Louisiana Purchase.

The list of UK courses provided is a great feature, as is the section dedicated to study exchanges in the US. Ashbee provides case studies of American Studies graduates, which really are the best insight anyone could get into life during and following an American Studies course. There are also examples of final year modules that can be taken, which again will be useful to those considering the degree course. Another practical feature provided are the key terms associated with American Studies, which are handy for any undergraduate.

In the second half of the book, Ashbee focuses on study skills, giving advice on writing essays to degree standard and also emphasizing a greater need for individual based learning. There are sample essay questions for common topics - an excellent source of preparation for all students that will provide any prospective American Studies student with a greater understanding of what to expect. There is a also a list of helpful web sites related to the degree.

Ashbee's book is a deliberately basic, yet comprehensive, methodical and informative guide to American Studies. It acts as an introduction to the subject for newcomers and yet it can also be a useful tool for university students, although as Get Set for American Studies is part of the Get Set for University series of books specifically aimed at AI AS Level students, ultimately it will prove too simplistic for undergraduates. Giving a good idea of what to expect from a degree course of this nature, Ashbee's book is an effective guide for potential American Studies undergraduates and it is therefore hard to fault the book.