American Studies

Purdue University in West Lafayette

American Studies introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of America as a place, a political and social idea, a set of values and traditions, and a people. The program provides students with the opportunity to examine America through the diversity of its ideas, texts, objects, institutions, practices, and histories, as well as complex social and political relationships.

American Studies offers students the freedom to create an academic path that fits their interests and goals by choosing classes within a framework of required courses and a concentration area. American Studies is a practical second major for students already majoring in liberal arts in areas such as English, history, sociology, or political science.

All liberal arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to managerial success:  communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, creative/critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to make connections across complex ideas.