The mission of the School of Arts and Humanities is to advance human knowledge and understanding through its educational programs and ongoing scholarly and creative research. Through these programs and research the School imparts an understanding of what has been achieved in the past and draws students into the ongoing scholarly/creative processes as active participants. In the School, teaching, research and service are closely related goals, predicated on the belief that effective teaching is indispensable and a core value. Hence the School offers educational opportunities, public performances and exhibitions, and scholarship and learning to society as a whole. But perhaps most fundamentally, the mission of the School is focused on people. We are committed to the idea that the liberal arts develop literate, thoughtful, aesthetically aware and intelligent people who will continue to learn throughout their lives and take their places as valued citizens of Alabama and the greater global community.