"There is a breadth of knowledge, and an understanding of divergent viewpoints, that the American Studies program provides. It provokes your thinking and challenges your biases. Best choice I ever made."

Shawn Layden, '83 President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America

"American Studies has taught me skills like critical thinking and cultural competency that will be essential in providing holistic and humane care as a future physician."

Carlysa Oyama Class of 2018, American Studies and Pre-Health Major

Professor Ruiz, on his class entitled "Latino Muralism": “Murals are actively a tool against gentrification. We are looking for the ways artists respond to demographic changes in the neighborhood through muralism. The class goes far beyond just understanding art for art’s sake, but that it’s really about the politics and cultural politics of public art.”

Jason Ruiz Associate Professor of American Studies