PADM 475 Advanced Public Administration

This course is a synthesis course for government majors. The course will apply and integrate broad concepts including the application of economic theory, management theory, administrative law, and political theory in the resolution of public sector management cases (formerly GOVT 475).

This course serves as an advanced study into the discipline of public administration. This course explores the various theories and practices that have led to, and continue to dominate the profession and study of public administration. The purpose of this course is to prepare the undergraduate student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to make public policy and/or public management decisions in an ever changing and diverse work environment.

Textbook readings and presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

The student will complete 4 Discussions in this course. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations in APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citation(s) in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, scholarly journals, online articles from academic institutions or organization and the Bible. Responding to a classmate’s post requires both the addition of new ideas and analysis. A particular point made by the classmate must be addressed and built upon by the student’s analysis in order to move the conversation forward. Thus, the response post is a rigorous assignment that requires the student to build upon threads to develop deeper and more thorough discussion of the ideas introduced in the threads. As such, reply posts that merely affirm, restate, or unprofessionally quarrel with the previous post(s) and fail to make a valuable, substantive contribution to the discussion will receive appropriate point deductions.

Case Study Assignments (3)

The student will write a critique of 3 Case Studies. Each Case Study critique must be between 3–5 pages and must discuss the major facts of the case. The student should explain whether or not he/she believes the right decision(s) was/were made and support his/her assertion(s) with citations.

Research Paper: Topic Outline Assignment

The student will submit a Topic Outline in support of the final research paper assignment.

Research Paper: Bibliography Assignment

The student will submit a list of sources that will support the scholarly research efforts in the final research paper assignment.

Research Paper: Final Assignment

The student is required to write a 5-page policy Research Paper (excluding the title page). All references used must be cited. A bibliography and outline will be submitted prior to the final submission.

Quizzes (2)

Two quizzes will be required to complete the course. These quizzes will be 1 hour, open-book/open-notes with 25 true/false and multiple choice questions to extract the student’s knowledge about the content of the course.

Essay Assignments (2)

The student will complete 2 written essay exams, one a midterm, the other a final. Both the midterm and final will be in essay format, and the student will respond to a broad-based question about public administration. In essence, the student will be asked to demonstrate critical thinking about controversial issues in public administration and take a position on which course of action would be the best approach for public administrators.