College of Arts and Sciences
James A. Flightner, Dean
The
largest and most broadly based academic unit of the University, the College of Arts and
Sci-ences fulfills the central purpose for which the University was chartered in 1893:
"To provide the best and most efficient manner of imparting...a liberal education
and thorough knowledge of the different branches of literature, science and the
arts."
A liberal education
gives students the means to test ideas, beliefs and facts. It exposes them to a variety of
academic disciplines that will broaden and deepen their perspectives and enable them to
continue the learning process as educated citizens. It teaches them how to apply what they
have learned. By studying the ways of thinking and expression that are intrinsic to the
arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences, students are prepared in scientific
methods, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and cogent expression, and are helped to
develop intellectual skills, humanistic understanding and aesthetic appreciation. Such an
education increases the usefulness of career planning and specialization by laying a
foundation for lifelong values.
A particular strength
of the College is the diversity of its disciplines and programs. This diversity makes
possible a varied and flexible curriculum that advances both general programs and
special-ized education on the undergraduate and graduate level. Another strength is the
quality of the fac-ulty. Its members have a distinguished record of publication, service
to professional societies and national organizations, and participation in consulting,
extension and outreach programs. Their commitment to undergraduate liberal education is
underscored by the quality of the graduates the College has produced. The pre-professional
education received here has enabled The University of Montana graduates to compete
successfully for admission to law, medical and graduate schools across the nation. A third
strength of the College is its traditional recognition of student needs. This is reflected
in close student faculty relationships and in the continuous attention given by the
College to the effect that policies, procedures, programs, and faculty and administrative
structures have on students' educational experience.
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