The study of education in general is discussed by the first David Jacks Professor of Higher Education, followed by a review of the concept of the study of higher education. The author's own introductory course on American Higher Education at Stanford University is described, which includes criticisms of higher education, the history of higher learning, analysis of urgent problems, and the place of the American higher educational enterprise in society. Strengths of the system are analyzed, and implications of both strengths and weaknesses are examined. (LBH)