The value of a college-level interdisciplinary American studies curriculum is examined in this paper. American studies offers the student a chance to fashion a desirable course of study for himself from various disciplines. It can produce the goal of the best traditional liberal-arts curriculum--the educated imagination. In a time when academic specialization poses a bewildering number of options, the American studies courses are some of the best tools for providing a general knowledge of culture in the curriculum. The programs will also allow students to build into their course of studies the skills in technology, business, and science demanded by today's job market. It presents a means of modifying and adopting traditional subjects to a more career-centered curriculum. The programs need not cost much since they require only interested administrators and teachers who are willing to attempt an interdisciplinary approach to education. (DE)