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Political Science
CHAIR: Philip A. Dynia, Ph.D., OFFICE: 537T Monroe Hall
WEB PAGE: css.loyno.edu/polisci/
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 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), advanced electives (six hours), and a capstone course (three hours) that incorporates elements from all of these areas. 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 good 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 — POLS 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 Electives; POLS A495 | 6 | 3 |
| Common Curriculum | 3 | 3 | |
| Adjunct/Electives | 6 | 9 | |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| TOTAL: 120 cr. hrs. | 30 |
View Political Science Course Descriptions
(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)
Students are required to create and maintain a portfolio of selected assignments in their required courses. The purpose of the portfolio is to track student progress toward their degree and to assess the department’s success in meeting the learning objectives set for majors and minors.
Majors are required to take a departmental comprehensive exam in their senior year.