School of Liberal Arts

The School of Liberal Arts Mission Statement

The School of Liberal Arts offers Bachelor’s degrees in Rural Studies in two concentrations: Writing and Communication and Rural Arts and Culture. In addition, the school provides academic programs leading to degrees in Art, Communication, English, Foreign Language, History, Journalism, Music, Political Science, Pre-Law, and Theatre. Core courses in each of these areas, along with courses in Learning Support reading and writing, support the mission of the college. As ABAC’s principal advocate of the liberal arts, we the members of the School of Liberal Arts seek to:

Provide an environment where academic freedom and responsibility exist in a community of learning and shared governance.
Promote critical reflection and the advancement of knowledge on the part of its students, as well as excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, and service on the part of the faculty.
Challenge students to think critically and creatively; to address the analytical, historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of the Humanities disciplines; to act with ethical and aesthetic awareness; and to communicate effectively in a free and open exchange of ideas.
Pursue and encourage scholarly, artistic, creative, and culturally diverse activities that contribute to the expansion of knowledge and foster excellence in the entire academic environment.
Use innovative technology in their instruction along with the best traditional pedagogical methods.

Fine arts programming, faculty service to the community, and partnerships with public organizations are integral components of the School’s mission. In conjunction with mission of the college, the School seeks through its academic offerings, programs, and administrative practices to embody the ideals of cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity characteristic of an open, democratic, and global society.