These materials are designed to be used in a one-semester curriculum program which is linked to topics outlined in the American Issues Forum calendar. It is intended for use at the local level. Volume I, American Society in the Making, examines some of the principal conditions affecting the development of American ideas and institutions. It focuses on the peopling of the North American continent, the changing patterns of the natural landscape, the emergence of a political ideology for a free society, and the formation of a democratic political structure. The issues are discussed in light of their bearing on the United States in 1976. The community leader's source book contains resources related to each topic suitable for discussion, books to review, and an annotated film list. It is arranged according to topics as presented on the calendar from August 31 to December 20, 1975. The newspaper packet, divided into four units corresponding with the student reader and the study guide, includes 18 1,400-word articles with appropriate illustrations and biographies. Examination questions offer objective midterm and final tests for classroom use. These materials can be used in conjunction with the corresponding reader and the study guide. (Author/ND)