About the field of Area Studies: The field of area studies is a very broad category that typically includes a variety of options. Students interested in studying multiple facets of a particular category may want to investigate their options within this field. For example, there are a number of specialized divisions for those interested in: African American studies , American studies , Canadian Studies , Latin American Studies , Middle Eastern studies , or Native studies . There are also more overarching area studies that look at a wide range of areas such as cultural studies or international studies . This list represents just a sampling of the different areas on which students choose to focus. Within these different areas, students may study the literature , history , politics , philosophy , art , and/or religion of a particular area. The student needs to make decisions about what particular aspects of an area will be the most beneficial to study and what will further their personal research and career interests.