Intro To Public Admin
ariel-di
pols_3300-090_intropa_syllabus.pdf
POLS 3300 Spring 2017
1
Introduction to Public Administration (on-line) POLS 3300
University of Utah Political Science Department
Spring 2017
Instructor: Marian Hubbard-Rice Office Hours: Will answer questions via e-mail or Canvas
Contact Information: [email protected]
Course Description This course is an introduction to public administration in our American system of government. It explores the role of a bureaucracy in a democracy, applies management and organizational theory to the public setting, and illustrates work life of a public administrator through various case studies. Concepts and topics to be covered include development of organizations, management of human resources, ethical practice, emerging professionalism, and governmental budgeting and finance.
The goal of the course is to develop a solid understanding of public administration theory, research and concepts and to provide each student the skills and knowledge necessary to make important decisions as public administrators. This course analyzes some of the issues facing public administrators today as well as in the future, and discusses opportunities to address these issues. Furthermore, a foundation in public administration is a significant component to job opportunities in the public sector.
Course Objective: • Understand the role of the United States Constitution on public administration. • Analyze the historical influence on public administration. • Gain the ability to analyze and critique the complexity of public administration in terms of
diverse values, interests, competing missions, and other factors. • Understand the differences between public administration compared to administration in the
private and non-profit sectors. • Understand the conditions necessary for creating and maintaining the legitimacy of
governmental work. • Analyze the future of public administration in the United States and the role public
administrators in implementing public policy.
POLS 3300 Spring 2017
2
Text Books: This class requires one text, which is available at the University of Utah Bookstore. There are also optional books and readings that will help expand student’s knowledge on public administration. Articles and readings that are assigned can be found on Canvas. Required Text Books:
• Foundations of Public Service, 2nd Edition (2013); Douglas Morgan, Richard Green, Craig Shinn, and Kent Robinson. ISBN-10: 0765634597.
Optional Text Books and Readings: • Classics of Public Administration, 8th Edition (2016); Jay M. Shafritz and Albert C.
Hyde. ISBN-10: 1305639030. • Scholarly Articles from Journal Public Administration Review (PAR)
o Access to PAR as well as other scholarly journals is free through the Marriott Library
Course Requirements • Course Readings • Participation in discussion of readings on Canvas • Preparation of all assignments by the assigned deadline
Course Assignments and Grading 1. Weekly Readings
Since this is an on-line course it is important you thoroughly read and become familiar with the reading assignments. The discussions on Canvas, pop quizzes, and exam will all cover material from the readings. Also, it is encouraged to stay informed on current issues related to public administration as well as new research and theories. Review the Public Administration Review scholastic journal is encouraged.
2. Canvas discussions and participation (25%) I will post a discussion topic on Canvas, in which students are required to participate. There will be five (5) discussion topics posted throughout the semester at the beginning of the week that relates to the readings. Responses to these discussions must be substantive and reflect the topic. Discussion responses are due the end of the week the discussion was posted. For example, if I post a discussion topic for week 3, the question will be posted on Monday January 23rd and responses are due by Sunday January 29th by 5:00 pm. Late postings will not be accepted.
POLS 3300 Spring 2017
3
3. Pop Quizzes (25%) There will be five (5) pop quizzes that will be given at the beginning of the week and due by the end of the week. They will be based on readings and Canvas discussions. It’s designed to measure your comprehension of the broad scope of public administration, as discussed in this course.
4. Public Administration Case Study Analysis (20%) Each student is required to complete a case study analysis using one of the case studies in the text. This should be a critical analysis of the major issues of concern in the case. A summary of the case is not sufficient for this assignment. This analysis should be 2-4 pages long, 12 font, double-spaced. More information on the case study analysis will be posted on Canvas by January 9th. The case study analysis must be uploaded on Canvas by February 19th 6:00 pm
5. Final Exam (30%)
There will be one (1) final exam, which is comprehensive and will cover material from the semester, including the readings, discussions, and quizzes. The exam will be open book and open note, however the exam must be taken individually. You cannot collaborate or work with others and by doing so will result in a failing grade. Also, plagiarizing is strictly forbidden and will result in a failing grade. More information on the final exam will be posted on Canvas by March 19th.
The final exam must be uploaded on Canvas by May 3rd 6:00 pm.
Teaching and Learning Methods This course will include weekly readings and discussions covering various public administration topics and issues. Classes will be geared toward understanding and discussing the major themes and questions of the weekly readings. The students are required to participate in discussions of the topics on the Canvas Discussion Board.
Canvas This course is posted on the Canvas website, which can be accessed through your Campus Information Services (CIS) login. All readings, with the exceptions of those in the textbooks will be posted, as well as the syllabus and other relevant material. Students are required to participate on the weekly Canvas Discussion Board. Public Administration case study analysis and the final exam are required to be uploaded on Canvas. All work that you turn in will be checked by Turnitin.com (an online plagiarism detector) once you have submitted your work on Canvas. Turnitin.com compares your paper and exam to a global database of books, articles, and previously submitted student papers.
POLS 3300 Spring 2017
4
Policies Since this course is an on-line course with no weekly meetings, your ability to be self-motivated and participate in class discussions through Canvas is critical to be successful in this class. Students will be expected to be prepared by completing required readings. Since this class includes discussions of public administration topics and issues, participation with Canvas discussion is required.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services (CDS), 162 Olpin Union Building, 801- 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services. Wellness Statement Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, cross-cultural differences, etc., can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive at the University of Utah. For helpful resources contact the Center for Student Wellness 801-581-7776.
Veterans Center If you are a student veteran, I want you to know that the U of Utah has a Veterans Support Center on campus. They are located in Room 161 in the Olpin Union Building. Hours: M-F 8- 5pm. Please visit their website for more information about what support they offer, a list of ongoing events and links to outside resources. Please also let me know if you need any additional support in this class for any reason.
LGBT Resource Center If you are a member of the LGBTQ community, I want you to know that my classroom is a safe zone. Additionally, please know that the U of Utah has an LGBT Resource Center on campus. They are located in Room 409 in the Oplin Union Building. Hours: M-F 8-5pm. You can visit their website to find more information about the support they can offer, a list of events through the center and links to additional resources. Please also let me know if there is any additional support you need in this class.
Learners of English as an Additional/Second Language If you are an English language learner, please be aware of several resources on campus that will support you with your language development and writing. These resources include: the Department of Linguistics ESL Program; the Writing Center; the Writing Program; the English Language Institute; and the Office of Global Engagement. Please let me know if there is any additional support you would like to discuss for this class.
POLS 3300 Spring 2017
5
Academic Honesty All students are expected to meet the standards of academic honesty in this course. Academic honesty requires, among other things, that the exercises, papers, and examinations you submit in this course must be your own work. Plagiarism is strictly not allowed and students must cite others work in their papers. Any work you submit should be the product of your individual effort and not the work of others. Academic misconduct is defined in the University’s Student Code (Policy 6-400, Rev 8, July 2009): “Academic misconduct” includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one's work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information, as defined further below. It also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct. Definitions of these terms as well as additional information regarding your rights and responsibilities are available at the University Regulations Library website. If students have been found to have engaged in such activities, they will fail the class. All written work class will be checked by Turnitin.com (an online plagiarism detector) once you have submitted your work on Canvas. Turn-It-In compares your paper to a global database of books, articles, and previously submitted student papers.
Course Outline Week Dates (2017) Content Reading Assignments
1 January 9-January 15
A Constitutional and Political Approach to Public Administration
Morgan et al. • Chapter 1 • Constitution of
the United States- Appendix A
Discussion
2 January 16-January 22
The Challenges and Opportunities of Public Service
Morgan et al. • Case Study-Case
of the Angry Library Patron
• Chapter 2
Discussion
3 January 23- January 29
Administrative Discretion: Issues and Conflicts Democracy and Administration
Morgan et al. • Chapter 3 • Chapter 4
4 January 30- February 5
The Troubled History of American Public Administration
Morgan et al. • Chapter 5
5 February 6- February 12
Administrative Ethics and Responsibility
Morgan et al. • Chapter 6 Discussion
6 February 13-February 19 Organization Structure and Behavior
Morgan et al. • Case Study-
Tumult in Prairie Canyon
• Chapter 7
Case Study Analysis
Due Feb 19h 6:00 pm-Upload
on Canvas
7 February 20- February 26
A Political History of Public Personnel Administration
Morgan et al. • Chapter 8
POLS 3300 Spring 2017
6
Week Dates (2017) Content Reading Assignments
8 February 27- March 5
Contemporary Human Resources Management
Morgan et al. • Chapter 9
Discussion
9 March 6- March 11
Public Revenue and Financial Management
Morgan et al. • Case Study- The
Case of the Medler School System
• Chapter 10
10 March 11-March 19
Spring Break-No Assignments and Readings
11 March 20- March 26
Budget Formation and Resource Allocation
Morgan et al. • Chapter 11
12 March 27-April 2 Public Service Leadership in a Shared-Power World
Morgan et al. • Case Study- Eagle
Rock: The Case of the Peregrine Falcon
• Chapter 12
13
April 3- April 9
The Role of Public Administration in Public Policy and Analysis
Morgan et al. • Chapter 13 Discussion
14 April 10- April 16
Policy Implementation and Administrative Law
Morgan et al. • Chapter 14
15 April 27- May 3
The Future of American Public Administration
Morgan et al. • Chapter 15
16 April 27- May 3 Final Exam Week
Final Exam Due May 3rd 6:00 pm-Upload on Canvas
