American Social Issues features lessons that are supplemental to the high school social studies curriculum. The lessons enable students to recognize the personal relevance and social significance of developing concerns and crises and prepare them to deal conscientiously and intelligently with changing and continuing issues.

Critical thinking skills are incorporated throughout the unit. Lessons are tools to manage the challenge of teaching complex problem-solving skills and controversial issues.

Part 1 looks at past changes in family life and challenges families face, including adolescence, fatherhood, and family structure. Part 2 examines the influence of religious beliefs and values on American life, past and present. These lessons were designed without partisan views to encourage students to examine their own beliefs and values. Part 3 studies the relationship between humanity and technology. Lessons explore the growth of technology not only in industry but also in our day-to-day lives. Part 4 analyzes the impact of sports on American life. These lessons examine related issues such as racism and fanaticism. Part 5 deals with violence in American life, including forms of violence, perpetrators and victims, and the justice system. Part 6 focuses on America’s minorities and their continuing struggle for equality. This section examines the history of discrimination, the role of women in modern society, and equality for African Americans. Part 7 studies decision-making related to the aging of America’s population. Lessons study the demand for health care, the Social Security system, products and services for the elderly, and how these issues might affect today’s teens.