Programs of Study
The department offers the basic elements of an undergraduate political
science program
to all students. With this education, many graduates go on to law
school or graduate school.
Some pursue positions with corporations or in the federal, state,
and municipal civil services.
A few graduates embark directly on a career in politics.
A major in political science requires a 36-hour concentration in
the subject. These
hours are distributed over the following areas: American Government
and Constitution
(nine hours), Comparative Government (six hours), Political Theory
(six hours), International
Relations (three hours), and advanced electives (nine hours).
In their senior year, students also must complete POLSA495, our capstone course. A minor in political science requires 21 hours, made up of three hours each in American Government,
Comparative Government, History of Political Thought, and International Relations,
plus nine additional hours of advanced electives.
The political science curriculum is designed to give the student
a general knowledge of
the discipline, the problems it deals with, and the development
of human knowledge and values
about political matters. When coupled with the Common Curriculum
and a wise use of
elective hours, the student will gain a broad educational background
both for career and for a
full personal and social life in this rapidly changing world.
The department assigns advisers to ensure that every student gets
personal attention.
During the first year at Loyola, students take only introductory
political science courses, giving
them a chance to experience the major from the ground up and
to become accustomed to
college life. Advisers are always willing to help with information
concerning the most
beneficial courses.
Periodically, the department offers seminars in foreign policy, American
government, and
other topics of particular interest to undergraduates. Participation
in independent study is
encouraged; it is a fine opportunity to explore personal ideas.
In addition to research and
independent study courses, internships at local government agencies
are offered.
Because of the tradition at Loyola which produces many of the
political leaders of the area,
the department has a special interest in urban and state
politics, particularly New Orleans and
Louisiana politics. In 1967, the Institute of Politics was
established. It is an extension service
to train people, mostly young professionals, in the realities
of political life with a view
toward encouraging them to undertake a political career.
The political science department
nominates certain outstanding undergraduates to be associate
fellows in the institute program.
Loyola University is also affiliated with the Washington Semester
Program at American
University in Washington, D.C. This program allows the student to
spend a semester in the
nation’s capital, taking courses and doing intern work in private
or governmental agencies. The
student can earn up to 16 hours of credit for this semester.
Bachelor of Arts — Political Science
| Freshman | F | S | ||
| Major | POLS A100 – Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | 3 | ||
| Common Curriculum | 9 | 9 | ||
| 15 | 15 | |||
| 30 | ||||
| Sophomore | F | S | ||
| Major | POLS A200/A201; A230 /A231 | 6 | 6 | |
| Adjunct/Electives | 3 | 3 | ||
| Common Curriculum | 6 | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | |||
| 30 | ||||
| Junior | F | S | ||
| Major | POLS A300/A301; A315 | 6 | 3 | |
| Adjunct/Electives | 3 | 6 | ||
| Common Curriculum | 6 | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | |||
| 30 | ||||
| Senior | F | S | ||
| Major | POLS A495; POLS Electives | 6 | 3 | |
| Common Curriculum | 3 | 3 | ||
| Adjunct/Electives | 6 | 9 | ||
| 15 | 15 | |||
| 30 | ||||
| TOTAL: 120 cr. hrs. |
Specific Common Curriculum requirements are given in the beginning
of the
chapter under Curriculum Design. Refer to A&S Common Curriculum in
the index for
page number.