January Term

For more detailed information about J-Term courses, please search the Course Catalog on LORA Self-Service

BIOL-X220 Environmental Resilience & Sustainability*

Aimee Thomas

Increasing environmental science literacy in Loyola students is essential in this coastal city at risk of being underwater within 100 years. For the past 300 years, citizens have creatively lived in a city that sits largely below sea level by draining swamp land and developing a drainage system to effectively remove water from streets throughout the city. Because on average the city gets 64 inches of rain each year, we have historically had flooding issues that have been solved by pumping the water to a canal system that feeds to Lake Pontchartrain. An unintended consequence of this method of water removal has led to a number of environmental issues.

The path to resiliency and sustainably living with water requires a paradigm shift, and this course is designed to stimulate this recalibration to living with water instead of pumping it out. These current environmental issues have economic, political, technical, cultural, social, and ecological implications and thus will be studied from an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to use sharpened critical thinking skills about human involvement and the unintended consequences of living below sea level. But because we should also challenge ourselves to develop solutions, we will delve into current technologies such as green infrastructure being used in Nola and around the world.

*Counts as Natural Science in Context Loyola Core 

CHEM-Y235 Beer Brewing* 

Michael Giusti and Shane McGlynn

Beer Brewing is an intense hands-on course teaching the science of brewing beer. It is open to students 21-years-old and up. Beer Brewing will introduce you to the cultural, historical, economic and bio-chemical underpinnings of beer and the beer-brewing process. The course touches on botany, chemistry and microbiology, as well as societal and cultural history of beer and the processes involved in making beer.

*Counts as Natural Science in Context Loyola Core / there is an additional $60 fee to participate in this course

CRIM-A270 Murder, Mayhem, and the Media 

Rae Taylor

The course explores the relationship of the mass media to our perception of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. The mass media generate a "social construction of reality" that influences public opinion, public policies, and general social attitudes toward violence. The print and electronic media, including the internet, are examined as purveyors of social perceptions of criminals, victims, law enforcers, lawyers, judges, prisoners, and the like.

CRIM-H396 Ending Mass Incarceration: Advocacy and Abolition

Annie Phoenix

This course will focus on solutions to combating the incarceration crisis in our communities. Ending mass incarceration will require all of us to deeply understand the history, sociology, and politics of mass incarceration in the United States and Louisiana in particular.  The class will investigate and map the work of local and national organizations working on issues related to incarceration. We will meet with advocates and abolitionists leading movements to end incarceration and learn from your work. The outcome of the course will be student advocacy, ingenuity, or creative solutions for ending mass incarceration.

The course is taught by Dr. Annie Phoenix, Executive Director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute, who oversees the Loyola at Rayburn program for incarcerated students and correctional employees. Dr. Phoenix brings nearly two decades of experience contributing to movements to end mass incarceration as a student organizer, non-profit leader, activist, and advocate. 

The course will meet in person at JSRI’s office on the Broadway Campus Monday-Friday from 11 AM-4PM. 

CRIM-X210 Geospatial Crime Analysis*

Christopher Torres

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a budding multidisciplinary skill that has steadily grown in popularity and demand over the past ten years. Upon completing this single course, students can secure a job as a cartographer, geospatial analyst (crime analyst included), or GIS specialist. This class will provide students with actionable knowledge on applying dynamic policing models such as optimized hot spot analyses (weighted to harm and not frequency), intelligence-led models, community- oriented models, spatial problem-solving, and data clustering/stratification.

The class also offers data management techniques and provides a foundation for applied data-driven decision-making, which is beneficial in all domains of the public and private sectors. There is an explicit focus on GIS' fundamental technical skills during the first half of the class (multidisciplinary). During this phase, students will learn how to harness and apply various geographic toolkits to visualize phenomena and understand the relevance of "place" in the research process. The second half of the semester teaches students the core framework for spatial research.

While Loyola's current core offerings for social science blend theory, empirics, critical thinking, and inclusive reflection, the Geospatial Crime Analysis class will add a dynamic and technical means of generating and testing spatial hypotheses. Additionally, while most social science classes in the current roster deal exclusively with explanatory and evaluation-based research, the Geospatial Crime Analysis class adds hands-on experience conducting and disseminating descriptive research for targeted social issues in Criminology and beyond.

*Counts as Social Science Loyola Core 

CRIM-A294 Death Penalty 

Jon Sorensen

Broadly, this course is a platform for studying current pressing topics and policy issues related to a specific area within the field of criminal justice. Our focus for this semester is capital punishment in the United States. This course explores the unique history of the death penalty in the U.S., legal, philosophical, and empirical issues related to its imposition, as well as current trends in its use.

ENGL-0294 MENA Diaspora: Literature, Film & Identity 

Lindsay Sproul

MENA Diaspora: Literature, Film, and Identity is a 3-credit asynchronous online course offered during J-Term 2026. The course explores contemporary literature, poetry, film, and multimedia by and about the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) diaspora. Through works such as Aisha Abdel Gawad’s Between Two Moons, Sara Farizan’s Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel, Hala Alyan’s The Moon That Turns You Back, and Lula Ali Ismaïl’s film Dhalinyaro, students will engage with themes of identity, queerness, migration, belonging, and empire while connecting personal stories to broader historical and political contexts.

FILM-M345 Concepts in Cinema - Black Horror: Race and Dread

Camille Debose

An exploration, through screenings, readings, and discussion, of the discourse presented by Black horror directors, writers, and performers on the ways horror looks and feels different in different communities. This course will provide an historic survey of Black Horror stories and film while also affording students the opportunity to critically evaluate sources of horror and their connection to larger socio/political forces. With special consideration given to the social construction of race and ethnicity we will explore how both impact social mobility and one’s sense of safety.

HIST-T271 Money as Meaning* 

Jonathan Moore

The course features examples and scholarship about a broad, long history of money. Students taking the course will become familiar with questions like: What is money? Where does it come from? How does it work? The usual answers to the most fundamental of these questions were settled by the 19th century in the work of economists, who based their answers on the European experience of the previous two centuries. This narrow perspective introduced serious flaws in our understandings of money, flaws that persist to this day. This course revisits such questions considering a much longer and broader history and includes the histories of non-Western societies.

*Counts as History 1 Loyola Core

PSYC-X268 Science of Hate*

Erin Foster

This course will provide an interdisciplinary social science perspective on why humans experience prejudice, violence, and persecution. What are the origins of hate? Is hate an emotion or a behavior? What ideologies and beliefs underlie hate? The main emphases will be on empirical approaches, with reference to the behavioral sciences (social psychology, sociology, history, and political science), genetics and neuroscience, law, and even popular culture. We will examine hate as an individual mechanism and also as a system. Topics will include ingroup/outgroup bias, racism, sexism, and other "isms", hate speech and hate crimes, religion and the feminine evil, terrorism, and other related topics. We will closely examine hate groups such as the relatively new incel population. This course helps students understand the current political and social environment and will help inform their ability to make evidence-based decisions.

*Counts as Social Science Loyola Core

RELS-V224 Interreligious Relations* 

Adil Khan 

This course is intended for students to discuss and address practical issues pertaining to Interfaith Relations in the contemporary world. Its aim is for students to study Interfaith Relations and learn about how Interfaith Relations can be improved, whether by aiding in conflict resolution, developing outreach strategies for more cohesive communities, or re-conceptualizing ideas collectively in ways that work for a particular real-world situation.

*Counts as World Religion Loyola Core

Costa Rica: INTB G493/893 Special Topics in International (3 credits)

Business | Dr. Gustavo Barboza

This experiential learning program is designed to explore the reality, way of life, culture, economic and political system of Costa Rica. Coursework is a mix of class lectures, company visits, meetings with high government officials, and excursions to National Parks and main tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Students will be immersed in the international business decision making process by interacting with high level executives of major industrial and technological companies located in Costa Rica. Course grades are composed of a research paper, a presentation, and an attendance/citizenship component.

India: PHIL-W247 Global Ethics (3 credits)

Loyola Core: Philosophy II | Dr. John C. O’Day 

This course will investigate issues of social ethics in a global context, with a special emphasis on India, its colonization by Europe, and its subsequent independence. Topics will include global justice, colonialism, non-violent and violent resistance, globalization, and critique of Western technology and science. India is the world’s largest, most heterogenous democracy--among a population of nearly 1.5 billion, there are 22 spoken languages scheduled by the national government, as well as six major religions represented alongside a robust secular political tradition. As a result, daily civic life in India evokes many dilemmas of social morality, such as resolving normative and religious difference, human impact on the environment, and what we owe to the poor and destitute. As a former European colony and vibrant post-colonial democracy, moreover, India’s modern political history accentuates marquee questions of global justice, such as anti-colonial resistance, self-determination, reparations, and international governance. This course will survey the philosophical implications of these issues while immersing students in the vibrant culture and complex society from which they emerge.

Florence: ENGL N210: Global Identities (3 credits)

Loyola Core: Writing About Literature | Emily Capdevilles 

This course, in fulfilling your Writing about Literature requirement, is concerned with the critical analysis of literary texts. In this context, critical means close reading, deep understanding and analytical interrogation. Through engagement in meaningful conversation with others, with critical texts, with a selection of literature about Italy and the country itself, students will develop the skills to analyze the course texts while putting them into conversation with other media and firsthand experience. The course engages in this work through close reading, in-person discussion and experiential engagement with our host country. Ultimately, students will demonstrate an understanding of the course content through the production of essays that require independent critical analysis through writing.

Iceland: ENGL N294 Read Like a Viking (3 credits) 

Loyola Core: Writing About Literature | Dr. Tracey Watts 

WAL: Read Like a Viking is designed to develop students’ critical reading and writing skills through a study of texts centered around a precise location: Iceland. The course is designed to be an immersive experience, in which students will read texts in context, traveling in Iceland while reading and discussing English translations of literature written by Icelandic writers. Texts will be cohere around three distinct focal points: medieval sagas, the work of Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness, and contemporary Icelandic writing.

What is the January Term (J-Term)?

J-Term is an accelerated two-week learning opportunity before the start of the spring semester. All J-Term courses are three credits unless otherwise noted. 

What are the benefits of J-Term?

Loyola offers the optional J-Term to provide additional and flexible academic opportunities for students to catch-up, get ahead, or study abroad. For students who work or don’t have time during traditional semesters, J-Term provides more opportunities for accelerated coursework, research, and study abroad programs that enhance the academic experience.  

When is Loyola’s J-Term?

J-Term runs from January 2 – 14, 2026. Check the online class schedule for more details. If you’re enrolled in a J-Term course, check Canvas or your class syllabus for specific meeting times.

Do I need to take J-Term?

J-Term is completely optional. For students not taking classes during J-Term, the break will last until the start of spring session later in January. Students may engage in work opportunities, apply for jobs, and complete graduate school applications during their extended break. For other students, the winter break is an important time to rest and recharge. 

Can I start at Loyola during the J-Term?

J-Term is intended for continuing students only. Admission to Loyola for undergraduate students is only for fall, spring, or summer.

When can I sign up for J-Term classes?

Registration for J-Term starts on November 3, 2025. For questions regarding course registration, contact your advisor. International students are advised to contact the Center for International Education at cie@loyno.edu.     

How many J-Term courses can I take? 

Students may only register for one course during the J-Term session. 

How can I find J-Term courses in LORA Self Service?

You can find J-Term courses in the course catalog in LORA Self-Service by selecting the "Spring 2026" term and hitting the "Search" button.

If you want to see a listing of all J-Term courses in LORA Self-Service, then you can scroll down to the "Topics" section and select "January 2-Week Session." 

If you have a specific course you are searching for, then you can select the instructor and subject listed above in the course descriptions section of this page. Please note: Some courses may be listed as “Experimental Courses” in Self-Service, and the title will show up by viewing available sections.

If you have any trouble finding courses or need help, please reach out to your advisor. You must be cleared by your advisor to register for J-Term courses. For more registration help, check out the Student Success Center's registration resources.

What types of courses are available during J-Term?

Academic experiences will include on-campus, online, remote, or study abroad courses. Please check the J-Term course descriptions above for more information.

Will J-term coursework be graded?

Yes. J-term coursework will be rigorous and demanding, with graded assignments during the two-week term. Students should be prepared to commit time and effort to the term before enrolling. 

Will there be final exams for J-Term?

Some classes may have final exams associated with their curriculum. Students should consult the syllabus for the class.

Can I graduate following J-Term?

Students will not be able to graduate after J-Term. However, students in J-Term will be able to graduate at the end of spring semester if the courses taken during J-Term fulfill their graduation requirements. 

What education abroad options are available during J-term?

Check the J-term program listing for all J-term education abroad opportunities. Not all Loyola J-term education abroad programs are offered every year. Check the individual program page to see the next available term and associated deadlines. 

When is the deadline to apply for a J-term education abroad experience?

Deadlines vary by program. Check the program you are interested in for specific deadlines. Study abroad deadlines are different from online and remote J-term courses. 

Do I need to apply for a short-term Education Abroad experience?

All study abroad students are required to apply for an education abroad experience. Begin the process by viewing information at Get Started. Once a program is selected, log into the application at https://studyabroad.loyno.edu/ using your Loyola login credentials and complete the application materials.

How do I register for an Education Abroad program?

Education abroad program registrations and cancellations are processed through the Center for International Education. For questions about registration, contact CIE at 504-864-7550 or by email at cie@loyno.edu. Learn more about education abroad program opportunities.

What are the tuition and fees for J-Term?

J-Term, May Term, and Summer Session all have the same tuition rate of $815/credit hour. The per credit tuition rate for students enrolled in fully online programs differs from this rate, as would any courses billed at a per student rate (private music lessons, Loyola Institute of Ministry courses, etc.).

Study abroad programs have their own program fees. For details, visit the study abroad website. 

When will I be billed for J-Term?

The cost to enroll in J-Term courses will appear on the spring tuition bill in LORA Self-Service; however, J-Term credit hours are calculated and billed as a separate line item from spring courses. If you have questions about tuition and billing, please contact Student Financial Services by calling 504-865-3337 or emailing us at sfscenter@loyno.edu.    

Will taking a J-Term course affect my registration status in the spring?

J-Term credit hours will count toward a student’s registration status (part-time or full-time) to determine academic standing in the spring. However, J-term courses will only count toward full-time enrollment for federal and Louisiana state aid eligibility; J-term hours will not count towards full-time enrollment hours to qualify for Loyola scholarships and grants during the spring semester. For example, a student who is enrolled in 9 credit hours in the spring and 3 credit hours for the J-Term will be considered a full-time student in the spring but will not be charged full-time tuition or be eligible for full-time Loyola scholarship and grant awards. 

Will financial aid be available?

Loyola institutional aid is not awarded for J-term courses. However, a student may apply federal and Louisiana state financial aid funds, and any regular spring semester account credits towards their J-term tuition charges. A student must still attend a minimum of 12 regular spring credit hours in order to qualify for the full amount of Loyola scholarships and grants for the spring semester. Attending fewer than 12 regular term hours will result in Loyola institutional aid being prorated. J-term hours count towards full-time enrollment for eligibility for federal Pell grants only and Louisiana state grants only. For example, a student enrolled in 3 credit hours during J-Term and 9 credit hours during the spring semester will be considered full time with 12 credits for federal and state financial aid; however, a student in the same scenario would be considered enrolled in 9 credits when determining institutional aid eligibility for the semester. We must have a 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a complete financial aid file to be considered for federal and state aid. 

If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@loyno.edu, call 504-865-3231, or schedule a time to meet.

Can I withdraw from my J-Term course and receive a refund? 

Students who wish to withdraw must return a completed withdrawal form to the Office of Student Records. Mere cessation of attendance does not constitute withdrawal. The date of receipt of the withdrawal notice by the Office of Student Records will determine the amount of tuition refund. Formal notice to drop the course must be received on the first day of the session (January 2, 2026) in order to receive a 100% refund. If formal notice is received on the second business day of the session (January 3, 2026), a refund of 50% of tuition is made. No refunds are allowed after the second business day of the session. Learn more about Loyola’s refund policy.

Can I live in the residence hall during J-Term?

No, the residence halls will be closed during this time. 

What dining locations are open during J-Term?

For a full list of dining locations and their hours of operation during J-Term, visit the Dining Services website. Food service locations will be limited based on enrollment and number of students attending the various locations. Some of the services provided at the locations will be limited over the winter break.

What Loyola services will be available?

University offices are closed through January 3 in observance of the New Year holiday and may have limited operations. All campus offices and services will resume normal operations on Monday, January 5, 2026. The Student Success Center, Career Center, and Center for International Education will be available to assist students during J-Term. 

What services are available at the library during J-Term?

Monroe Library will be open with limited hours. Check their website for hours. 

As all J-term courses are online, library support is available remotely:

• Contact your librarian liaison for research consultations via Zoom. 
• Most library resources are available remotely, using your Microsoft account for authentication. Go to http://library.loyno.edu for library resources and follow up with your liaison, if you have questions. 
• Interlibrary loan is available and should be quick enough to receive articles electronically during J-Term. 
• If your course has streaming video or an etextbook, they will be available in Canvas. 

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All information is subject to change and is updated as of October 2025.