Seventy-two years of history echo within these walls. This is the Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales FCPyS. It is part of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México UNAM. This faculty began as the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales ENCPyS. That was back in 1951. It became a full faculty in 1968.
UNESCO urged the creation of schools for social sciences after World War II. Mexico responded by planning a school to train specialists. Lucio Mendieta y Núñez represented Mexico at a UNESCO conference. The conference highlighted political science’s role in development and democracy. It recommended creating social science schools.
In 1951 the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México approved the project. The Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales was born. Its first location was on Miguel Schultz Street. Classes began on July 25 1951. There were 136 students a surprisingly high number. The school aimed to provide flexibility for understanding modern societies.
Early debates shaped the school’s direction. Some wanted a populist approach. Others preferred the model of French and Belgian schools. There were disagreements with the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Law. Finally it was agreed that the new school could offer degrees in Political Science Social Science Diplomatic Science and Journalism.
Ernesto Enríquez Coyro the first director favored practical experience. He organized conferences with experts and politicians. Students prepared to actively participate in these discussions. Enríquez Coyro believed politics needed both cultural grounding and practical investigation. He saw the school as a research laboratory. He also wanted to reform the curriculum to include history sociology politics and democracy.
The first graduate was Moisés Ochoa Campos a political scientist. By 1953 the school had moved to Mascarones. The director then Dr. Raúl Carrancá y Trujillo emphasized scientific truth and a sense of reality. Students experienced vibrant political activity and strong camaraderie. Professors and students engaged in free discussions.
The Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales has evolved over the decades. It now offers five undergraduate degrees. These are in public administration communication studies political science international relations sociology and anthropology. There are also master’s degrees in various fields. A doctorate is offered in political and social sciences.
The Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales maintains several research centers. These include the Centro de Relaciones Internacionales CRI. The faculty also supports programs to improve education. These programs encourage creative teaching methods. They aim to motivate students and address complex issues.
Over the years many notable figures have directed the Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales. They include Ernesto Enríquez Coyro Pablo González Casanova and Angélica Cuéllar Vázquez. Alumni include influential journalist Carmen Aristegui. The Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales continues to be a leading institution. It shapes the study of social and political sciences in Mexico.