During these three years, students participate as a cohort in a series of colloquia in which they read and discuss works together (in English), learn to think critically about texts in relation to their contexts and influences?both European and non-European?and in relation to the disciplines that shape and are shaped by those texts. Majors also become proficient in a foreign language and study abroad? to deepen their knowledge of another culture. The COL, a unique college within the University, has its own library and workspace where students can attend lectures, study together, and meet informally with their professors, whose offices surround the library.