American Studies
By Tom Robotham Thirty-five years ago—10 years after I graduated from college—I decided to go back to school to pursue a master’s degree in American Studies. At the time I had no plans to become a teacher. My decision was motivated purely by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of our history and our culture. In time, it yielded practical benefits. After my stint as editor of Port Folio Weekly came to end, I applied for an adjunct position at Old Dominion University—someth