The James H. Gilliam, Jr. College of Liberal Arts has a two-fold mission. Through its general education offerings, the College provides the foundation for all student learning at the University by assisting in the development of students' critical and analytical skills, foundational oral and written skills in both English and other world languages, and awareness of the global forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the modern world. In its major programs, the College aspires to provide high-quality, student-focused teaching and research opportunities in communication and media studies, the humanities, the fine and performing arts and the social sciences. The College's programs should both instill in its majors an appreciation for liberal learning and prepare students for the professions and/or for advanced academic study.