California State University Sacramento
Public Policy and Administration
PPA 100
Introduction to Public Policy and Administration
Fall 2005
Tuesday/Thursday 12:00 – 1:15 pm
Mary K. Kirlin Office: Tahoe Hall 3033
278-4209 (o) Office hours: Tuesday 2-4 pm
480-0525 (h) or by appointment
email: kirlinm@csus.edu
Overview
This course is the first course in the undergraduate minor and will introduce you to the concepts of public policy and administration. It is designed to provide knowledge and skills that will enhance a public service career. We will explore the variety of opportunities available to recent graduates as well the challenges of public service.
Learning Objectives
This course is intended to:
Required Readings
Bardach, Eugene. 2005. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving”. Congressional Quarterly Press: Washington D.C..
Moore, Mark. H.. 1995. Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government. Harvard University Press: Cambridge Massachusetts.
Sacramento Bee. You must read the Sacramento Bee daily. We will discuss ways to do the “quick read” early in the semester.
Some classes will have reading links imbedded into the syllabus (available from the webct site and the PPA website www.csus.edu/mppa). Bring these readings to the appropriate class as we will use them during class discussions.
Format
This course will feature a combination of lecture, seminar discussion, small group work, guest speakers, student observations and interviews, and student presentations. There will be a strong emphasis on active learning and student participation. We will also take advantage of current events. As a result, there is flexibility built into our course schedule. As interesting opportunities come up, we will adjust our schedule to take advantage of them.
Assignments
The course requirements include 3 applied assignments (2 page write up), two mid term examinations, a final examination and a group presentation. Due dates for the assignments are specified in the schedule portion of the syllabus.
Late assignments will not be accepted. It is not fair to classmates that turn the assignments in on time; in addition it puts me in the awkward position of determining which explanations are appropriate and which are not. You will have plenty of notice about the assignment requirements and can submit them electronically before the class begins. As you have no doubt learned so far, if unusual circumstances arise it is better to discuss the situation with faculty members quickly.
You must have an active SAC LINK account. I am increasing my use of available technologies and some class sessions will be held in cyberspace. You must have a sac link account in order to access the WEBCT program we will use. If you do not have an account, you may secure an account on line at UCCS or go to the UCCS User Counter.
You can access the course site (about one week before classes begin) at https://online.csus.edu/. The syllabus and other information will be posted there.
Attendance
Because this course places a large emphasis on active learning, attendance is especially crucial. Regular classroom attendance is therefore expected. Except under the most unusual circumstances, a student who misses more than three classes will be penalized in the class participation grade.
Grading
Grades will be determined in accordance with the following weights:
Short papers 30% (3 at 10% each)
Midterm exams 30% (15% each)
Group Project 15%
Class Participation 10%
Final Examination 15%
Schedule
We will adjust the schedule as we go along to make sure we stay on track and take advantage of opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Changes will be discussed in class and posted on webct at least one week in advance.
Date |
Topic(s) |
Readings |
Assignments |
8/30 |
Orientation and syllabus review |
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9/1 |
Introduction to PPA |
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9/6 |
Public/private/non-profit distinctions |
Class handout on Sector Distinctions |
|
9/8 |
Write a description of the public, non-profit and private sector activities that touch your life most days. 2 pages max. |
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9/13 |
What does government do? |
Three things government does – handout in class |
|
9/15 |
Institutional context |
California Constitution ,United States Constitution Read the entire US constitution and review articles I-VI of the state constitution |
After this class, view the Justice Talking video, available electronically. |
9/20 |
|||
9/22 |
What are public policies? |
Moore Chapters 1 and 2 |
|
9/27 |
Mid-Term 1 |
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9/29 |
Sacramento Bee (bring in the Bee from the past 4 days, sections A, B for all days and the forum from Sunday.) |
Be prepared to discuss two public issues you believe are important |
|
10/4 |
Public Policy making |
Bardach, introduction and pages 1-34 |
|
10/6 |
Selecting Group for Projects |
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10/11 |
Bardach pages 35-60 |
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10/13 |
Getting it done |
Moore, Chapter 4 |
Short paper 2 due, details to come |
10/18 |
Moore Chapter 5 |
||
10/20 |
Group updates and midterm review |
Your group will need to present your work to date, explain what you know so far |
|
10/25 |
Mid-Term 2 |
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10/27 |
Organizations |
Moore Chapter 6 |
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11/1 |
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11/3 |
Ethics |
Class handout |
|
11/8 |
ELECTION DAY |
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11/10 |
Discussion of election results and public policy implications |
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11/15 |
Implementation |
Moore Chapter 7 |
|
11/17 |
Short paper 3 due, details to come |
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11/22 |
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11/24 |
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11/29 |
Civic Engagement |
Handout and class discussion |
|
12/1 |
Group Presentations |
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12/6 |
Group Presentations |
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12/8 |
Wrap up and review for final exam |
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12/17 |
FINAL EXAM 10:15-12:15 |