The department's instructional mission is to provide all students a high quality educational experience through innovative teaching that promotes active learning, course work that addresses the needs, interests and backgrounds of our diverse student population, and extra-curricular activities that enable students to develop communication skills in applied settings. Students enrolled in our courses can expect to develop skills essential for leadership, career development, and for understanding and interpreting events. They will learn how to advocate and critically debate ideas in social and political settings, to appreciate diverse communication styles, to work productively in task oriented groups, and to engage in rewarding interpersonal relationships.