sugar
Political science first emerged as a distinct field of study at U of T towards the end of the 19th century. Before this period, subjects related to politics, government, and law were encompassed under broader academic disciplines such as history, philosophy, and economics.
A significant turning point came with the appointment of James Lorimer as Professor of Constitutional and International Law in 1872.
Lorimer was a renowned Scottish jurist who introduced dedicated courses on political science topics.
His pioneering efforts laid down the groundwork for political science to be established as an independent department under his leadership in 1891.