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Maryland in Europe Course Syllabus Dr. Kathleen Donneson Course No. & Title: PUAD 501 - Concepts of Public Administration Text: Public Administration: An Action Orientation, Denhardt, 3rd Edition Public Administration: Concepts and Cases, Stillman, 7th Edition Additional Reading: Students will be provided with supplemental readings. You may pick up copies of the first readings at the RAF Lakenheath University of Maryland Office when you obtain your syllabus. Location: RAF Lakenheath Dates: 21-22 Oct, 4-5 Nov, 18-19 Nov, 9-10 Dec, 2000; 9:00 to 16:00 each day Professor: Dr. Kathleen Donneson Office Hours: After class, or by appointment. Telephone: Home: 01638-721011 E-Mail: 16-20 October e-mail: kathy.donneson@ramstein.af.mil all other times: rees.donneson@btinternet.com 1. Credit: 3 semester hours 2. Introduction: This course introduces students to the field of public administration. It examines major intellectual and constitutional foundations of American government and public administration. It introduces a theoretical approach to the study of public administration that emphasizes the interactive relationship between individuals and institutions. The course facilitates comparisons and contrasts of how social, economic, and political systems facilitate or frustrate personal, private and public actions. The focus is on public administration concepts and practices, especially services delivery, regulation, performance of responsibilities and protection of rights in constitutionally based democracies. Analysis centers on values and practical theories and on complexities and strategies for constructive balances between stability and change. 3. Objectives: Students are expected to come away with basic theoretical perspectives about the role of public administration in modern societies. These perspectives will be helpful for students preparing for more advanced courses in public administration. The course is also designed to help students enlarge analytical, communication, and writing skills in preparation for graduate level education and career advancement. Course objectives can only be attained with the active participation of all students. Every participant will be required to make oral presentations and to lead class discussions. 4. Course Format: This course is conducted in an intensive format and oriented to adult professionals. Study, discussion with others, and contemplation of subjects outside of classes are important. Classes involve a variety of activities: structured group work, including analysis of publications and current cases, illustrated lectures, class discussions, and examinations. Because adult students bring greatly varied and highly valued practical experience, education and cultural perspectives to these activities, class participants will share diverse knowledge, and professional interactions will be facilitated. 5. Students: Punctual attendance at every class; advise in advance if you need to miss a class for a valid reason. Reading assignments accomplished before class and homework assignments turned in when due. Request assistance as soon as you do not understand a concept or have a problem in any area. Be serious about learning and willing to put in the necessary time out of class for successful academic performance. 6. Required and Suggested Publications: Please secure a copy of the Federalist Papers if you do not have one. You can download a copy of the Federalist Papers from the Internet at http://www.mcs.net/`knautzr/fed/fedpaper.html or conduct a web search. Please familiarize yourself with The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States - Internet Sites: http://www.house.gov/Constitution/Constitution.html; http://www.nara.gov/exhall/charters/declaration/decmain.html. 7. Written Assignments Course Notebook: Throughout the course you will maintain a notebook of classic and contemporary leaders in the field of Public Administration. The notebook will be set up in the following columnar format: Name and period of time of contribution, notable publications and contribution to the field. These notebooks will be turned in at the end of the term for review, but not graded. The intent is to assist you throughout your degree studies and will be useful in preparation for you comprehensive exams. Papers: Paper #1 - In the first paper, your assignment is to review 4-5 articles, book chapters, etc., assigned for the first session. You are to list a complete citation, analyze each and write a brief paragraph for each citation identifying the purpose of the article, topics addressed, and the main theme or arguments presented. Then, construct an essay. Then write an essay in which you present your own view of Public Administration based upon the documents you have cited. Citations are to be typed, single-spaced and your analysis should be double-spaced. This paper should be no more than four pages and is due Sunday of the first session. Cases: Select one of the cases in the syllabus for the second, third or fourth sessions. We will do the cases in the first session together. You will analyze the case, present the case and prepare to lead a class discussion. Cases will be assigned in the first session. Mid-Term Examination: There will be a mid-term examination on the Saturday of the third session. The mid-term will be an essay examination approximately two-hours in length. End-of-Term Paper: Between the second and third series of classes, you are to complete a three-page outline (or a first draft) of a short term paper which when finished in December will total 19 to 23 double-spaced pages. In this paper, you will analyze the principal administrative features of the organization/activity in which you now work. If you are not in a workplace of long-term importance to you, may may do an analysis of the government entity, which serves the pace where you live or you may select an agency or enterprise in which you want to work. You may do your paper on a subunit, such as a clinic within a hospital or on an activity as a whole. As principal features, you should include, as a minimum, information on structure and management systems, processes, budget and finance, human resources, and policies and programs performed. Alternatively, you may construct a design for community accomplishment: an inquiry into public systems, institutions, or policy. This course deals with fundamentals of social, economic, and political systems and institutions and how they may facilitate and/or frustrate personal, private and public actions. In consultation with your instructor, you may select a subject of importance for a research paper. Expectations for term projects will be explored during the first and second class sessions. Other options that you suggest may also be explored. 8. Grading: Paper #1 15% Case 15% Mid-Term Examination 25% Term Paper 35% Participation 10% 9. Your Professor: Awarded a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis; Master of Public Administration/Health Services from the University of San Francisco, and Master and Doctoral degrees in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Before joining the European Division, she taught graduate courses in administrative research and systems analysis and design for the University of Southern California, 1993 to 1998. Doctor Donneson is a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve, assigned to Headquarters USAFE/SG. She formerly worked as the Research and Information Strategy Manager for the Cambridgeshire County Council, Department of Social Services.
BASIC CONCEPS: 21-22 October 2000 Who?***What?***How? A. Organization and Objectives of Class 1. Introduction of class members 2. Objectives, syllabus, and requirements B. The Study of the Public Administration Concepts - The Administrative State, the Field, the Politics and Administrative Dichotomy Please read all assigned readings in order:
Case: The Centralia Mine Disaster Case: Space Shuttle Challenger INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, BUREAUCRACY, 3ES 4-5 November 2000 C. Organizational Structures, Administrative Management - Design, Reform, Reinvention?
Case: Wichita Confronts Contamination D. Civic Engagement
Case: The Lessons of Value Jet Flight 592 MANAGERIAL AND EXECUTIVE ROLES 18-19 November 2000 E. Rationality, Decisionmaking, Communication
Case: The Decision to Bomb the Serbs Case: The MOVE Disaster Case: Waco F. Current Technology and Resources
Case: How a Rescue Mission Failed, Just Barely, in Orange County
SELF ASSESSMENT, PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS, 9-10 December 2000 CURRENT CHALLENGES, CLASSIC STANDARDS G. Current Technology and Resources (Continued)
Case: Admiral Boorda's War H. Ethics and Accountability - 3E's Plus I -- Self Discipline Plus Commitment
Case: Why Kristin Died I. Current and Future Challenges, Classic Standards for Public Practice, Professional Organizations and Principal Leaders
4. "Information Age Governance: Just the Start of Something Big?" (Mechling, 1999) J. Self-Assessment: By this point it should be clear that no one is expected to master any where near all of the material that is relevant to this course or to the field of public administration. One purpose of this course is to acquaint students with some boundaries and capacities and to assist in their development of disciplines and designs to deal with those limitations and competencies. The purpose of this course is to provide a broad and deep overview of the field of public administration. You are not expected to comprehend the entire field from an examination of it in one course.
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