Seminar 4 Theme : Introducing the USA
I. Questions
Physical Geography of the USA
The USA spans a vast territory, covering 9.8 million square kilometers, making it the third-
largest country in the world. It has diverse landscapes including mountains (e.g., the Rockies and
Appalachians), plains, deserts (e.g., Mojave), and rivers (e.g., Mississippi, Colorado). The
country is bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has significant lakes like the Great
Lakes system.
Etymology of the Name “America”
The name “America” derives from the Latinized version of Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian
explorer credited with recognizing that the New World was a separate continent.
Regions and States
The USA consists of 50 states and is commonly divided into regions: Northeast, Midwest, South,
and West. Each region has unique cultural, economic, and geographical characteristics.
Main Cities
Key cities include:
New York City ("The Big Apple"): Largest city, known for finance, culture, and landmarks like
the Statue of Liberty.
Los Angeles: Hub of the entertainment industry.
Chicago: Known for architecture and commerce.
Washington, D.C.: Capital and political center.
San Francisco: Famous for its tech industry and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.
Human Geography and Demographics
The USA is a melting pot with a population of 331 million people as of 2020. It features racial
and ethnic diversity due to immigration, native populations, and historical African heritage.
Major demographic groups include White Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans,
and Asian Americans.
The Federal Government and the President
The USA operates under a federal government with three branches: executive (led by the
President), legislative (Congress), and judicial (Supreme Court). The President serves as both
head of state and government.
Religion in the USA
The USA is predominantly Christian, with a significant percentage identifying as Protestant or
Catholic. Other religions include Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Secularism is also
common.
Practical Assignments
What kind of nation is the USA? What nationalities comprise the American nation?
The USA is a multicultural and diverse nation often described as a "melting pot." Its population
includes descendants of European settlers, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic and
Latino communities, and Asian immigrants.
How many states are there in the USA?
There are 50 states in the USA.
What are the main parties and governmental institutions of the USA?
Main parties: Democratic Party and Republican Party.
Main institutions: The Presidency, Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), and the
Supreme Court.
Who are the most famous American writers, both in the past and today? Who are your
favorite authors?
Past: Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Emily Dickinson.
Today: Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood (though Canadian-American influence),
and Jonathan Franzen.
Personal favorites can vary but could include universally admired authors like Mark Twain or
modern writers like Colson Whitehead.
What music trends did the USA give life to, and who were the best-known exponents?
Jazz (Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington), Blues (B.B. King), Rock and Roll (Elvis Presley,
Chuck Berry), Hip-Hop (Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z), and Country (Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton).
Find out information about well-known places of interest in the USA.
Statue of Liberty (New York): Symbol of freedom.
Grand Canyon (Arizona): Natural wonder.
Mount Rushmore (South Dakota): Presidential monument.
Yellowstone National Park: Renowned for geothermal activity and wildlife.
Independence Hall (Philadelphia): Site of the Declaration of Independence signing.
Give the explanation for the following:
Stars and Stripes: The national flag, symbolizing the original 13 colonies (stripes) and 50 states
(stars).
Medallion Taxi: Licensed cabs in New York City.
White House: Residence and office of the U.S. President.
The Big Apple: Nickname for New York City.
Disneyland: Iconic theme park in California
