First-Year Seminars: Course Descriptions
Rebuilding New Orleans - POLS X294-001
Dr. Peter Burns, Political Science
Tues / Thurs, 11:00-12:15
This course allows students to study and
participate in the rebuilding of New Orleans post-Katrina through research on issues of
policy and politics that this rebuilding has
generated. Education, housing, and economic development are highlighted from the
perspectives of race and class. Note: this course is limited to students in the Cardener Living-Learning Community.
Credit Hours: 3
American Heroes - HIST X256-001
Dr. Mark Fernandez, History
Tues / Thurs, 2:00-3:15
What constitutes an American hero? What roles have they played in American history? How have our heroes shaped our national
identity? This course examines these questions and explores why we seem to need heroes to survive and progress as a people.
Credit Hours: 3
The World of Blade Runner - ENGL V294-001
Dr. Mary McCay, English
Mondays, 4:55-7:35
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner challenges conventional assumptions about what it means to be human and invites us to
question these assumptions from philosophical and religious perspectives. The seminar uses the film and related readings to focus on
social justice issues and the urban
environment.
Credit Hours: 3
The Science of Murder - CRJU A294-051
Dr. Dee Harper, Criminal Justice
Wednesdays, 2:30-5:30
Perhaps more than any other crime, murder
focuses attention on social justice and ethical issues within society. This course examines the causes, prevalence, and politics of murder as well as laws, investigative techniques, and
controversies surrounding punishment.
Credit Hours: 3
Spinning the Planet - ENVA Q294-001
Dr. Robert Thomas, Mass Communication
Mon / Wed, 3:30-4:45
The language we use to talk about the
environment shapes our attitudes toward the science, social issues, and politics surrounding environmental questions. The importance of these questions demands that we distinguish responsible communications from “spin.” The seminar helps students think critically about
environmental issues and the language in which they are discussed.
Credit Hours: 3
Creole Crossroads - HIST X294-001
Dr. Judith Hunt, History
Mon / Wed, 3:00-4:45
New Orleans music, food, literature, religious practices, and carnival reflect the unique mixture of the city’s African, Caribbean, and European roots. The seminar traces the historical threads that converged in this cultural crossroads to
create a city like no other.
Credit Hours: 3
Mind of the Artist-Scientist - PSYC X294-001
Dr. Lawrence Lewis, Psychology
Tues / Thurs, 9:30-10:45
This course explores fundamental issues in the arts and sciences from an interdisciplinary
perspective: What does it mean to be human? How do we approach the world around us? What are our social responsibilities? Classical and contemporary readings serve as springboards for discussion.
Credit Hours: 3
The Quest for Meaning
Introduction to World Religions - RELS T-122-012
Tues / Thurs, 2:00-3:15
Introduction to Philosophy - PHIL T-122-006
Mon / Wed / Fri, 12:30-1:20
World Civilization to 1650 - HIST T122-003
Mon / Wed / Fri, 9:30-10:20
Peter Bernardi, S.J., Religious Studies
Stephen Rowntree, S.J., Philosophy
Robert Gerlich, S.J., History
These linked courses are taught by three
Jesuits trained in interdisciplinary approaches to liberal learning. A monthly seminar with all three professors will explore the Ignatian
tradition that inspires Loyola and discuss the quests for meaning and transcendence that energize every civilization.
Credit Hours: 9
Social Justice Post-Katrina
Non-Profits & the News Agenda- CMMN X294-001
Tues / Thurs, 9:30-10:45
Education and Society- SOCI X294-005
Tues / Thurs, 11:00-12:15
Research and Technology- SPST A194-001
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45
Dr. Cathy Rogers, Mass Communication
Drs. Marcus Kondkar and
Sue Mennino, Sociology
Ms. Alicia Hansen, Monroe Library
These linked courses examine the connection between education and social inequalities in New Orleans as well as the role of mass
communication, local non-profits and news
organizations in shaping public policy. A
research component and community outreach activities complement course work.
Credit Hours: 7