Political Science
About Dillard Political Science
In the political science program at Dillard University, we offer comprehensive instruction for students interested in diverse careers within the field. Whether your passion lies in teaching, law, international relations, public affairs, or civil service, our program equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Through our curriculum, you will gain a thorough understanding of political science theory, research methodology, quantitative reasoning, and computer research skills. These competencies will prepare you to meet the competitive demands of graduate and professional study in the field.
We prioritize the development of effective communication skills, both orally and in written form, ensuring that you can articulate your ideas with confidence and clarity. Additionally, our program provides valuable opportunities for you to gain practical work experience through various internship programs. These internships enable you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and build a solid foundation for your future career.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structures, powers and procedures of the United States federal and state government and foreign governments.
- Use critical thinking and analytical skills when assessing contemporary political questions,
- Demonstrate the ability to examine and evaluate information to solve contemporary social problems.
Return to: College of Arts and Sciences
Mission
The Political Science program provides instruction for students interested in a wide variety of careers in political science such as teaching law, international relations, public affairs and civil service. The program provides a thorough knowledge of political science theory, methodology, quantitative reasoning, and computer research skills necessary to meet the competitive demands of graduate and professional study. Students achieve a high level of oral and written communication skills and have opportunities to gain work experience through a variety of internship programs.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structures, powers and procedures of the United States federal and state government and foreign governments.
- Use critical thinking and analytical skills when assessing contemporary political questions.
- Demonstrate the ability to examine and evaluate information to solve contemporary social problems.
Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Complete a total of 122 credit hours of course work for graduation.
General Education Core – 41 credit hours
Major Requirements – 45 credit hours
Additional Coursework – 36 credit hours
Major Requirements
- POL 200 – Introduction to Political Science 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr.
- POL 202 – State and Local Government 3 cr.
- POL 206 – Research Methods 3 cr.
- POL 301 – International Relations 3 cr.
- POL 305 – Political Theory 3 cr.
- POL 312 – Problems in Political Science Research Seminar 3 cr.
- POL 401 – Comparative Political Ideologies 3 cr.
- POL 403 – Third World Political Development 3 cr.
- POL 450 – Senior Seminar 3 cr.
- STA 306 – Social Statistics 3 cr.
- Political Science Elective: 12 cr.
Additional Coursework
- CS 101 – Computer Concepts and Applications 3 cr.
- HIS 102 – The Global Past II 3 cr.
- HIS 201 – U. S. History 1607 to 1865 3 cr.
- PHI 301 – Ethics 3 cr.
- PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology 3 cr.
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- General Electives: 12 cr.
- Social Science Elective: 6 cr.
Political Science Curriculum
First Year
First Semester
- ENG 111 – Expository Writing 3 cr. ♦
- FYS 101 – First Year Seminar I 1 cr. / Service Learning ♦ *
- HIS 101 – The Global Past I 3 cr. ♦
- MAT 121 – College Algebra 3 cr. ♦
- SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology 3 cr. ♦
- UCO 101 – University Convocation I 0 cr. ♦
- Physical Education Activity Elective 2 cr. ♦
Total: 15
Second Semester
- AWS 100 – Survey of the African World 3 cr. ♦ or
- REL 208 – The Black Church in the U.S. 3 cr. ♦
- BIO 101 – Biological Sciences I 3 cr. ♦
- BIO 101L – Biology Sciences I Laboratory 1 cr. ♦
- CS 101 – Computer Concepts and Applications 3 cr.
- ENG 112 – Argument and Research 3 cr. ♦
- FYS 102 – First Year Seminar II 1 cr. / Service Learning ♦ *
- HIS 102 – The Global Past II 3 cr.
- UCO 102 – University Convocation II 0 cr. ♦
Total: 17
Second Year
First Semester
- ENG 201 – Readings in World Literature I 3 cr. ♦ or
- ENG 202 – Readings in World Literature II 3 cr. ♦
- FFR 121 – Elementary French I 3 cr. ♦ or
- FSP 121 – Elementary Spanish I 3 cr. ♦
- POL 200 – Introduction to Political Science 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr.
- SPT 204 – Public Speaking 3 cr. ♦
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
Total: 18
Second Semester
- ECO 203 – Principles of Macroeconomics 3 cr. ♦
- ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination 0 cr. ***
- FFR 122 – Elementary French II 3 cr. ♦ or
- FSP 122 – Elementary Spanish II 3 cr. ♦
- HIS 201 – U. S. History 1607 to 1865 3 cr.
- POL 202 – State and Local Government 3 cr.
- POL 206 – Research Methods 3 cr.
- General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 18
Third Year
First Semester
- PHI 301 – Ethics 3 cr.
- POL 301 – International Relations 3 cr.
- Political Science Elective 3 cr.
- Political Science Elective 3 cr.
- Social Science Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- POL 305 – Political Theory 3 cr.
- POL 312 – Problems in Political Science Research Seminar 3 cr.
- PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology 3 cr.
- General Elective 3 cr
- Social Science Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Fourth Year
First Semester
- POL 401 – Comparative Political Ideologies 3 cr.
- POL 499C – Senior Comprehensive Examination 0 cr.
- STA 306 – Social Statistics 3 cr.
- Political Science Elective 3 cr.
- Political Science Elective 3 cr.
Total: 12
Second Semester
- POL 403 – Third World Political Development 3 cr.
- POL 450 – Senior Seminar 3 cr.
- POL 499C – Senior Comprehensive Examination 0 cr.
- General Elective 3 cr.
- General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 12
Total Required Hours: 122
*Service Learning: Students will earn a total of 30 service learning hours after successful completion of FYS 101 & FYS 102 .
**Community Service: Students must contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-approved community service project to earn a total of 90 hours of community service by the end of their junior year.
***Writing Proficiency Examination: Students must complete ENG 111 and ENG 112 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ to register for ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination. Students who fail to take or do not pass ENG 199 must take ENG 200 – Review of Writing Strategies (3 credit hours).
Note
Our organizations and programs keep you engaged in the study of political science outside of the classroom, providing platforms for you to practice what you learn.
POLITICAL SCIENCE SOCIETY
Focuses on leadership potential of its members: organizing, mobilizing, and planning policy sessions on national and international issues. Conduct forums, research and simulations.
AFRICAN WORLD NETWORK ORGANIZATION, INC.
The Dillard chapter promotes African-American partnership: cultural relations, intellectual African American based issues, stimulating African focus ambassadorial careers for students. It promotes student involvement in practical non-profit leadership as an educational leadership objective and African related travel-experience.
NATIONAL POLITICAL HONOR SOCIETY
Promotes academically excelling political leaders.
PRE-LAW ORGANIZATION
Seeks to prepare students who are future lawyers and friends of the court: Amicus curia.
PROJECT PERICLES
Part of the national not-for-profit organization which facilitates a commitment to include social responsibility and participatory citizenship as essential elements of our educational program.
- POLITICAL SCIENCE SOCIETY
Focuses on leadership potential of its members: organizing, mobilizing, and planning policy sessions on national and international issues. Conduct forums, research and simulations. - AFRICAN WORLD NETWORK ORGANIZATION, INC.
The Dillard chapter promotes African-American partnership: cultural relations, intellectual African American based issues, stimulating African focus ambassadorial careers for students. It promotes student involvement in practical non-profit leadership as an educational leadership objective and African related travel-experience. - NATIONAL POLITICAL HONOR SOCIETY
Promotes academically excelling political leaders. - PRE-LAW ORGANIZATION
Seeks to prepare students who are future lawyers and friends of the court: Amicus curia. - PROJECT PERICLES
Part of the national not-for-profit organization which facilitates a commitment to include social responsibility and participatory citizenship as essential elements of our educational program.
Gary M. Clark, Ph.D.
gclark@dillard.edu
Coordinator and Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of Social Sciences
Ph.D. in Political Science, Howard University
Location: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 223
Office: 504.816.4243
Blair Condoll, J.D.
bcondoll@dillard.edu
Assistant Professor of Political Science
J.D., Southern University Law Center
Office: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 245
Phone: 504.816.4178
Dana Gumas
dgumas@dillard.edu
Social Sciences Administrative Specialist
Location: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 251
Office: 504.816.4701
Fax: 504.816.4185
