Fall Semester, 2007; 12:00 MWF; SH207
Instructor:  Dr. Mike Sharp
Office, SH308; Ph. (918)456-5511, X3530; E-Mail, sharp @nsuok.edu
Hours,  8:00 TTh, 10:00-12:00 MWF, and by arrangement.

REQUIRED TEXTS: The main text for this course will be Public Administration in America, 9th edition,  by George J. Gordon.  In addition to the assigned text, a series of case studies and selected readings will be utilized to illustrate the material's relevance and applicability in the area of public administration.

COURSE FORMAT:  Political Science 2613 is designed to examine the role of administration in government.  In doing so, it will explore the various trends in American public administration, examine the unique circumstances involved in administering public organizations and look at different techniques of public management.  As an introduction to public administration, this course will provide the student with a survey of American public administration.  While there are no formal prerequisites, it is assumed the student will be somewhat familiar with the basic institutions and processes of American government through a basic survey course on American government.  The general objectives of the course are (1), to highlight the extent to which public bureaucracies affect our daily life, (2) become acquainted with the processes and procedures of public administration, and (3), examine and assess how public administration impacts the political process and the individual in our system of government.

GRADING:  Grades will be determined from three exams given during the semester as well as from class discussion/participation regarding the selected readings and case studies.  Two of the exams will be given during the semester and the third will be the final given on Friday, December 14 at 11:00 am.  All exams will be weighted equally.  There is no formal research paper requirement but the student will be required to prepare an extensive outline with an annotated bibliography in a selected area of interest relevant to public administration (see guideline handout).

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.  If any student encounters particular difficulty with any aspect of the material we are covering, he/she is encouraged to seek individual assistance from the instructor at the designated office hours listed above or by special appointment as arranged.
 

Part I  The Nature and Context of Public Administration in America

Chapter  1   Approaching the Study of Public Administration
              2   Public Administration, Democracy, and Bureaucratic Power
              3   Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
                    First Exam--see Course Resources for review guide

Part II  Managing and Leading Public Organizations

Chapter  4   Organizational Theory
              5   Decision Making in Administration
              6   Chief Executives and the Challenges of Administrative Leadership
        

Part III  The Core Functions of Public Management

Chapter  7   Public Personnel Administration and Human Resource Development 
                    Second Exam--see Course Resources for review guide

              8  Government Budgeting
              9  Public Policy and Program Implementation

Part IV  Challenges and Prospects in a Turbulent Future:  Results, Regulation, and Responsiveness
            10  Performance Management in the Public Sector
            11 Government Regulation and Administration Law
            12  Conclusion: Public Administration in a Time of Conflict and Social Change
                   Final Exam--see Course Resources for review guide

            Individual articles and supplemental readings will be integrated liberally into the general structure of the course as outlined by the Gordon and Milakovich text above.