The Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton
School of Liberal Arts

    Thomas Jefferson emphasized that a public university shapes both individuals and society.  One task is to "form [students] to habits of reflection and correct action, rendering them examples of virtue to others, and of happiness within themselves."  A second task is "to form the statesmen, legislators and judges, on whom public prosperity and individual happiness are so much to depend."  A liberal arts education is the foundation, then, not merely of a good and well-ordered life, but of a just, well-governed society.  The Fulton School is, thus, committed to preparing ethical, culturally literate citizens who will lead their communities and nation in the years ahead.

    The Fulton School encompasses departments ranging from the humanities (English, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Philosophy) to the social sciences (Political Science, Sociology) to the visual and performing arts (Art, Music).  Fulton also includes the departments of Psychology and Communication and Theatre Arts that are themselves as diverse and interdisciplinary as the school itself.  More than 90 percent of Fulton's tenure-line faculty hold the terminal degree in their discipline.

    The Fulton School values small classes and close interaction between faculty and students.  Course offerings encourage students to write and speak clearly and persuasively, to understand and value other cultures in an increasingly global society, to think critically and analytically and to pursue truth wherever the quest leads, to draw on the knowledge and perspectives of the full range of liberal arts and sciences in order to become well-rounded scholars, and to develop sound judgment, strong character and a commitment to civic engagement.

    The Fulton School encourages students to pursue independent research under faculty guidance.  Fulton students make presentations at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.  Fulton students can take advantage of various learning opportunities outside the classroom; these include community-based internships, participation in theatrical and musical performances and artistic exhibitions, and involvement in departmental clubs.

    Fulton faculty endeavors include Literature/Film Quarterly, an international academic journal; the Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, specializing in local and regional history, a bi-annual conference on American Women Writers of Color; the Maryland Summer Center for the Arts for talented and gifted middle and high school students; the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, which promotes faculty and student research and discussion of public policy questions and sponsors student internships in state and local government; and the Center for Conflict Resolution, which does research on interpersonal and global conflict and provides training and services in mediation and conflict resolution.  The Bobbi Biron Theatre and the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra are also affiliated with the Fulton School.