Introduction to the Profession of Public Administration

Wednesday 6:40 –9:10 p.m., Course #3980, Sec. 611081 (Polsky Rm.486; 3 hours)

Dr. Ramona Ortega

Office Hours: Before and after class and by appointment

Office Phone: (330) 972-5414, Polsky Rm. #264B

This course is an introduction to the discipline and profession of public administration. It provides an overview of the development, structure, and areas of specialization in public administration. It provides a foundation for specialized studies in the field through three components: an historical perspective on the topical areas; contemporary thought; and an action component involving the use of case studies.

The course is designed to assist students in gaining an awareness of the various disciplines contributing to the practice of public administration. The blend of analytic and experiential learning is intended to promote more effective integration of course materials with each student’s personality, values, interests, and career development goals. The course incorporates materials from multiple knowledge bases and focuses heavily on the application of relevant knowledge from the social and behavioral sciences. Each topic will be addressed from a theoretical and an applied perspective. Readings and case study background material should be completed at the beginning of each topic to ensure adequate preparation for classroom activities. Questions and discussion during the presentation of lecture materials are encouraged. Active participation in case studies is a course requirement.

1. To develop grounding for future course work in public administration by understanding the public sector context.
2. To assist the student in determining areas of interest for future study in the master of public administration program.
3. To improve ability to analyze, summarize, and advocate positions through writing assignments.
4. To facilitate understanding of public administration concepts via case analysis and experiential learning.

1. This is a graduate level course. Classes consist of lectures, discussion, and group participation. Students are expected to come to each class on time, and be prepared. Common courtesy to others is expected. Active participation of high quality is expected from all students.
2. The use of case studies in this course is active and participatory. Cases demonstrate application of theory. Understanding the facts of a case is the starting point. Being prepared to discuss and analyze the case in class is imperative. Reflecting on what occurred in class is important.
3. Students are expected to complete all required readings for each session in advance of the class. Students will be called upon during the class and they are expected to discuss the readings and cases.
4. Attendance is expected and absences will reduce grades. Classes start on schedule and frequent tardiness may be considered absences. Making up missed assignments is only available if absences are excused in advance by the instructor.
5. Academic integrity is demanded. Students are expected to do their own work. This means knowing what constitutes academic dishonesty and to refrain from such actions. See the Graduate School Bulletin for regulations.
6. Assignments must be completed on time. See class schedule.
7. Completion of a term paper. See class schedule.
8. Presentation of a case study. See class schedule.
9. Presentation of one supplemental reading of the student’s choice. See class schedule.

Class Participation = 25% of grade

Term Paper = 35% of grade

Case Study = 25% of grade

Supplemental Readings = 10% of grade

PA is like…(metaphor) = 5% of grade

TOTAL = 100%

There are a number of writing assignments: one major term paper, one case study, one essay that summarizes a journal or book article, and a brief, metaphorical statement entitled, "Public administration is like…" Student papers require demonstration of mastery of subject matter including appropriate analysis of the literature. Each assignment is described below.

• Term paper (no more than ten pages; 35% of grade): The term paper requirement is designed to complement the course content. The paper should be a succinct research paper on a public administration topic of your choice. It should be no more than 10 pages, not including figures, charts and bibliography, double spaced, #12 font, and stapled at the left hand corner. Your name, the date, and title of the paper should appear on the first page. Grammar, punctuation, citation and appearance count. All papers should be typed.

• Case study (two to three pages; 25% of grade): Each student is expected to describe, in oral and written forms, a situation in his or her organization (past or present) where an important cross-jurisdictional (i.e. joint) decision was made--or is in the process of being made. It must be a situation in which the student, or his/her agency, is directly involved. It cannot be mythical or fictitious. Unlike the term paper, a case study is not a formal research project. Case studies describe real-life situations. Your case study is not meant to be a library research. This is an opportunity for you to describe and analyze public administration in the context of your job or organization.

1. A statement of the problem.
2. The intergovernmental agencies involved.
3. Perceived or real stumbling blocks, i.e. special interest groups--corporate, community, or political lobbyists.
4. Personality or interagency conflict (jurisdictional disputes).
5. Leadership—which agency (local, state, or federal) took the lead—and why?
6. How was the situation resolved?

• Supplemental readings (one to two pages; 10% of grade): Students are expected to select and review one journal article or book chapter on public administration. It cannot be a required reading. Students will make an in-class presentation on his/her selection. Your selection should be in an area that you are interested in or that is particularly relevant to your work life. What you select to review is up to you. It should, of course, complement course offerings. The book or article must be current (1990 or newer).

• Metaphorical paper (one to pages; 5% of grade): "Public administration is like…". This paper is intended to help you begin to think about public administration in a metaphorical sense. For example, you may see public administration as a tree, with the several branches comprising the various local, state, and federal agencies that make government work. You may see it in a physical sense--as the heart or brain of the nation. Or, you may see it as an inanimate object, i.e. a super computer with terminals located at other branches of government. You may even see it as a dark and murky primeval swamp. You decide. Have fun. Be creative.

Full participation in this class is vital to the objectives of the course. Since this is an analytic/experiential course, successful integration of the "knowledge" and the "application" components depends upon active participation and timely completion of assignments.

Note: 25% of the final course grade is based on class participation. The quality of each student’s class participation will be assessed based upon the following indicators:

• Familiarity with and analysis of all reading materials.
• Improvement in skill performance.
• Initiating and responding to questions—from the instructor or your fellow classmates.
• Sharing relevant perceptions, experiences, and opinions.
• Preparation and presentation of one case study.
• Preparation and presentation of one supplemental reading.