At a time when New Orleans’ pride is at its height, students may soon be able to take classes focused on this high-profile city. The Standing Council for Academic Planning passed the proposed New Orleans studies minor at their last meeting.

Leslie Parr, mass communication associate professor and initiator of the new minor, returned to the council with updated information regarding the minor.

She provided the committee with more in-depth information on the new courses that would be taught.

The minor was proposed as having 22 existing courses, including Southern Women Writers and History of the Old South, and nine new courses that would be added to the curriculum.

“Courses have been developed but have not been taught yet,” Parr said.

Laurie Phillips, associate dean for technical services and member of the committee, found the development reassuring because even the new classes would not have developmental costs.

The new courses fall under several different colleges including biology, mass communication and sociology.

The new courses will include The Ecology of the New Orleans Environment, Courtroom Carnival: Tales of New Orleans Courtrooms and Sociology of Mardi Gras.

All students completing this minor will have one required course, History of New Orleans. Along with this course, students will be required to take six other courses that pertain to New Orleans studies.

The minor will help with Loyola’s plan to increase retention within the city by providing students with a better understanding and respect for New Orleans.

George Capowich, vice provost, said the courses would bring “appreciation of New Orleans culture.”

The committee collectively agreed to approve the new interdisciplinary minor. The minor should be fully approved for students to begin taking the courses next fall.

Kelsey Pabst can be reached at [email protected]