The sixth edition of this cross-cultural writing anthology contains eight thematically organized units that introduce students to a wide variety of cultures in the United States, allowing them to analyze cultural differences and reflect on their own cultural background.

Each selection has been chosen because it is accessible and puts forth a subject and style that will engage college students and provide thought-provoking material for class discussion as well as compelling ideas for writing.

The thematic units provide logical groupings for class study, but the text is also flexible and allows teachers to pair readings in a variety of ways. A headnote for each piece provides background information to help students prepare for the reading. The questions that follow each selection guide students through the reading and help them analyze both the content and style of the work. The writing questions can be used for formal paper assignments or as prompts for less formal writing.