Principles of Public Administration

POLS 3343

INSTRUCTOR: RICHARD L. BRAY

SPRING SEMESTER 2012

Public Administration examines the methods and procedures of governmental administration and the control of public bureaucracies in democratic societies. Course Prerequisite: POLS 1101 American Government

Class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays unless otherwise announced. Scheduled regular class sessions generally will follow a lecture/discussion in class. Do not get behind in preparing for class discussion. Current events relating to the course will often be discussed at the beginning of the class.

All students are expected to attend each class session. If you are unable to attend, obtain information on what has been missed from a fellow student and then see me with any questions you have. Attendance will be taken each class session. Being tardy to class is unacceptable. It is very disruptive to the class. If in the rare situation you are late to class, you must tell me after class so that you will not be counted absent. Please note that failure to attend class will affect your course grade. You are responsible for not only the textbook material, but for any material covered in class. Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. After the 6th absence from class, either excused or unexcused, there will be a 5-point reduction for each absence (up to a maximum of 25 points) from the student's final point total for the semester. After being tardy to class three times, each tardy will count as an absence. The absence/tardy policy will begin the first class after the drop/add period. Absences due to official CSU functions, such as athletic events, or required official military duty, will not be counted toward the student's absence total.

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The University reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Student notebook computers will NOT be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. For assistance in answering questions concerning your computer, call the HUB at (678) 466-4357.

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty approved hardware and software requirements for the student’s academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU’s official Notebook Computer policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/?nav=notebook_policy

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word^TM word processing
• Able to send and receive CSU e-mail using Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via e-mail
• Able to use a Web browser

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for other students, the instructor, and the learning environment
2. No smoking or eating are allowed in class. Students are allowed to bring soft drinks, water, or coffee to class.
3. If you must leave class early, tell me before the beginning of the class so that you have my permission to leave early. If you miss more than 1/2 of the class period, you will be counted absent.
4. All cell phones, pagers, IPods should be turned off and placed out of sight during class.
5. There will be no talking between students while the lecture is in progress or during a test or exam. This kind of behavior is not acceptable to a learning environment as it is very disruptive.
6. Cheating on tests or examinations is not acceptable and will be dealt with in keeping with the CSU Student Handbook and CSU Student Conduct Code
 
7. Please keep your computers in their cases. Students are not allowed to browse the Internet while in class. Violators will be asked to leave the class.
8. No constant reading of the textbook or other materials is allowed during the lecture as it interferes with the learning environment of the class.
9. No guests are permitted in the classroom during the class period. Children are not permitted in any CSU classrooms under any circumstances, nor may they be left unattended anywhere on the campus.
10. Students must abide by the polices in the "Clayton State Student Handbook."
11. Students must abide by the "Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities."

Behavior which disrupts the teaching-learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.

A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behaviors and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

GENERAL INFORMATION

Richard L. Bray
Instructor
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday @2:30pm - .
Room G-116, Arts & Sciences Building
Telephone: (678) 466-4712
Email Address: richardbray@clayton.edu

Instructor’s Website: http://a-s.clayton.edu/rbray

I check my messages daily. I will meet with you by appointment concerning any class matter. A time can be scheduled in Room G-116 in the Arts and Sciences Building. (I would prefer to talk with you before you get behind in the class.) If after meeting with me, you believe that a course related matter requires further discussion, contact Dr. Rafik Mohamed, Department Head of Social Sciences, Clayton Hall, Room T211-C, (678) 466-4818.

Bad Weather: If during the semester there is bad weather, tune in to WSB 750 AM radio or WSB television for school closing information. You may also access the Clayton State home page or call the main University telephone number (678) 466-4000

Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations or this document in any alternative format should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, (678) 466-5445 or disabilityservices@clayton.edu.

Plagiarism:  "No student will represent the work of others as his or her own. Themes, essays, term papers, tests, presentations, and other similar assignments must be the work of the student submitting them. When direct quotations are used, they must be indicated and when the ideas of another are incorporated, they must be appropriately acknowledged." Plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct and carries serious academic penalties as outlined in the CSU Student Conduct Code  

If you are in doubt about documenting - DOCUMENT! Judicial procedures are described at: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentconduct/

Withdrawals and Incompletes: See your advisor or your instructor if you have questions concerning course withdrawals or incompletes. You may wish to review CSU’s policy regarding course withdrawals and incompletes in the CSU catalog. Please see me if you have questions concerning this subject.

The chapters from the textbook assigned and reviewed in class cover many of the major subject areas of Government - how the system is organized into federal, state, and local governments and how it functions.

Please note that several textbook chapters are not assigned for study, as time does not permit assignment of all chapters in the textbook; therefore, they will not be on any examinations. If you have any questions regarding any topic included in these unassigned chapters, please see me.

Where time does not permit the review of assigned textbook materials, students will still be held responsible to study that assigned material and should expect that it will be covered on the examinations. Also any information covered in the lecture by the instructor may be included on the examinations.

Students should be prepared at the beginning of each class to discuss current events related to the course. Keep informed by reading major daily newspapers, weekly magazines such as Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and The Week on a regular basis. Watch a daily national news program on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, or C-SPAN. Listen to National Public Radio or WABE, FM 90.1.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Political Science Degree Program Outcomes and Assessments:

OUTCOMES: Graduating Political Science majors should:

• Apply concepts related to the structural and principles of the U.S. Constitution to historical and current politics.
• Explain and criticize U.S. political institutions and processes
• Define and distinguish how aspects of the Georgia Constitution and government differ from the U.S. Constitution and government
• Assess and compare how other national political systems and international political organizations differ from the U.S. political system and recognize the importance of political geography
• Research and compose a project report in a subfield of political science
• Successfully complete a political science related internship

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to revision when necessary to achieve course goals. If you have any questions regarding assignments, class sessions, and examinations or grading, please speak with me or Dr. Rafik Mohamed, Head, Department of Social Sciences, Clayton Hall-211, (678) 466-4818.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

(Available in the CSU campus bookstore)

Classics of Public Administration 7th Edition Wadsworth, 2012 ISBN 978-1-111-34274-6

Donald F. Kettl, The Politics of the Administrative Process 5th Edition CQ Press, 2012 ISBN 978-1-60871-688-3

          PowerPoints for The Politics of the Administrative Process

For Your Information:

"Clayton State University Student Handbook."

EXPLANATION OF TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS

The First Textbook Examination (100 possible points)

The first textbook examination covers Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the textbook. The examination consists of multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. At the discretion of the instructor, essay type questions may also be on the examination. Study the textbook and your notes. You will have the class period designated on the Class Schedule to complete the examination.

The Second Textbook Examination (100 possible points)

The second textbook examination covers Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the textbook. The examination consists of 100 multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. At the discretion of the instructor, essay type questions may also be on the examination. Study the textbook and your notes. You will have the class period designated on the Class Schedule to complete the examination.

The Third/Final Textbook Examination (100 possible points)

The third/final textbook examination covers Chapters 9, 10, 11 and 13 in the textbook. The examination consists of 100 multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. At the discretion of the instructor, essay type questions may also be on the examination. Although the final examination is not totally cumulative, the instructor may include questions that relate to earlier chapters within the 100 questions. You will have two hours to complete this examination.

Information related to all examinations:

1. No course scores on an examination will be dropped.
2. There are no extra credit points.
3. Your final point total determines your final grade.
4. Any erasure problems on the Scantron answer sheets are the student’s responsibility to correct.
5. Students may examine any examination or graded Scantron answer sheet in class. Never take an examination or Scantron answer sheet outside the classroom. I will not give you credit for the examination or record your score if this happens.
6. Always bring a #2 pencil for each examination.
7. Be on time for all examinations - If you are late, you will have only the time remaining in the examination period to complete the examination.
8. If a student wants the numerical grade for the final examination, provide the instructor a stamped, self-addressed envelope at the final examination.

EXPLANATION OF READING ASSIGNMENT

(50 possible points)

Each student will choose five articles from Classics of Public Administration, to be approved by the instructor. Then provide those choices to the instructor by the due date in the Class Schedule of the Course Syllabus.

The student will summarize the chosen topics and relate them to the material that has been assigned in the textbook, Politics of the Administrative Process. Each summary is worth a maximum of 10 points for a total of 50 possible points. Due dates for reading assignments are in the Class Schedule of the Course Syllabus.

Specific requirements for the summaries are as follows:

1. Each summary must be two pages in length;

2. It must be double spaced in 12 point type using normal margins

3. In the upper left hand corner of the first page, type:

Your name
Topic name
POLS 3343 - Public Administration
Reading assignment (number)
Date

Points may be deducted for incomplete sentences, improper grammar, incorrect punctuation, spelling, failure to type the assignment, failure to submit two complete pages, failure to staple the pages or failure to follow item 3 above.

The more accurate, precise and complete your paper is, the more points you will receive. These assignments will not be accepted early unless this is approved by the instructor. Late submittals for whatever reason will receive a 5 point reduction.

Any approved late submittal must be received by the instructor no later than one week after the scheduled due date. After that date, late submittals will not be accepted. I do not accept assignments by email. The assignments must be stapled and do not place them in folders.

EXPLANATION OF THE CLASS PAPER ASSIGNMENTS

(50 possible points)

Paper number one is to address the earliest beginnings of American Public Administration until the present. Paper number two is to address the Federal Budgetary process and the reforms Congress has enacted. Due dates for the two papers are included in the Class Schedule in the Syllabus. Each assignment is worth a possible 25 points.

Specific requirements for these assignments are as follows:

1. The paper is to be five pages in length;

2. It must be double spaced and typed in 12 point type using normal margins;

3. In the upper left hand corner of the first page, type:

Your name
Topic name
POLS 3343 - Public Administration
Class Paper Number
Date

Points may be deducted for incomplete sentences, improper grammar, incorrect punctuation, spelling, failure to type the assignment, or failure to submit five complete pages. Please note - Five complete pages!

The more accurate, precise and complete your paper is, the more points you will receive. Please cite the references used in the paper. Failure to do so will result in a reduction of points. These assignments will not be accepted early unless you have the approval of the instructor.

Failure to follow item 3 above will result in the deduction of points. The assignment must be stapled. If it is not, there will be a reduction in points. Do not place the assignments in folders!

Any approved late submission must be received by the instructor no later than one week after the due date. After that date, late submittals will not be accepted. I do not accept assignments by email. Any late submittal for whatever reason will receive an automatic 12 point reduction.

EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSROOM PRESENTATION

(50 possible points)

Students will provide the instructor one topic for a class presentation. This topic must explore a current challenge or problem occurring in Public Administration today. A topic may be chosen from a reading of the textbook, websites from the chapters in the textbook, newspapers, or magazines. The student must have the topic approved by the instructor by the deadline listed in the Class Schedule. Failure to provide the topic by the deadline in the class schedule will result in a 5 point reduction for this presentation. This assignment is worth a total of 50 possible points. Your presentation will be evaluated and scored for content, organization, and clarity, not specifically for speaking skill. The presentation must be not less than three minutes nor more than five minutes in length.

A typed summary of the presentation will be submitted to the instructor the day of the presentation. The summary’s specific requirements are as follows:

Your name
Topic name
POLS 3343 - Public Administration
Class Presentation Summary
Date

This summary is for the instructor in helping to evaluate the presentation. The typed summary will not receive a grade. Only the oral presentation will receive a grade. The instructor will make the decision as to when the student will give the presentation on the designated dates for presentations. The student may receive the full number of points, if the presentation is given on the designated date. However, for any presentation given late, for whatever reason, there will be a 12 point reduction.

MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS or PRESENTATIONS

Scheduling for make-up examinations or presentations is very difficult. Make-ups will be given only when verification of illness or some other serious emergency is submitted to the instructor. Where feasible, it is advisable that you notify me in advance before missing a textbook examination or presentation. If a make-up test is to be allowed, specific dates for the make-up date for any examination or presentation will be assigned to you. The instructor makes the final decision as to whether or not a make-up will be allowed. In any event, the make-up test must be held no later than one week from the original date of the test. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor concerning make-up tests.

GRADING POLICY

NO course scores on an examination or test will be dropped. There are no extra credit assignments in the course. I do not issue grades by email.

Students may examine a test or examination or graded Scantron answer sheet in class. Never take a test, examination, or Scantron answer sheet outside the classroom. I will not give the student credit for the test or examination or record the student’s score if this occurs. Any eraser problems on the Scantron answer sheet are the student’s responsibility to correct.

Course grades will be determined on the basis of a straight total of 450 points using 90%-A; 80%-B; 70%-C; 60%-D; below 60%-F.

In-Class Examinations 3 @ 100 points	300
Class Paper Assignments 2 @ 25 points	50
Reading Assignments 5 @ 10 points	50
Class Presentation 1 @ 50 points	50
Total Points	450

MIDTERM GRADES

The midterm grade in the course, which will be posted to the DUCK between February 14 and February 28, reflects approximately 32% of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W". Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available from the Registrar’s Office, or withdraw online using the Swan by midterm which occurs on March 2. The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is Friday, March 2, 2012.

January 9     Monday     Class Begins: Review Course Syllabus and Make Assignments

January 11   Wednesday     Chapter One - Accountability

January 16    Monday     No Class - MLK Holiday

January 18     Wednesday     Chapter One - Accountability [Reading Assignment Topics Due]

January 23     Monday     Chapter Two - What is Public Administration?

January 25     Wednesday   Chapter Two - What is Public Administration? [First Reading Assignment Due]

January 30     Monday     Chapter Three - What Government Does –and How It Does It

February 1     Wednesday    Chapter Three - What Government Does and How It Does It [Second Reading Assignment Due]

February 6     Monday     Chapter Four - Organizational Theory

February 8     Wednesday Chapter Four - Organizational Theory and Review for First Exam

February 13     Monday     First Exam

February 15     Wednesday     Chapter Five - The Executive Branch

February 20     Monday     Chapter Five - The Executive Branch [First Class Paper Due]

February 22    Wednesday     Chapter Six -  Organization Problems

February 27    Monday     Chapter Six - Organization Problems

February 29    Wednesday    Chapter Seven - Administrative Reform [Classroom Presentation Topics Due]

March 5 - 9  No Class - Spring Break

March 12     Monday     Chapter Seven - Administrative Reform [Third Reading Assignment Due]

March 14     Wednesday     Chapter Eight - The Civil Service

March 19    Monday     Chapter Eight - The Civil Service and Review for Second Exam [Fourth Reading Assignment Due]

March 21     Wednesday    Second Exam

March 26     Monday     Chapter Nine - Human Capital

March 28     Wednesday     Chapter Nine - Human Capital

April 2     Monday     Chapter Ten - Decision Making

April 4     Wednesday Chapter Ten - Decision Making [Second Class Paper Due]

April 9     Monday     Chapter Eleven - Budgeting

April 11     Wednesday     Chapter Eleven - Budgeting

April 16     Monday     Chapter Thirteen - Regulation and the Courts   

April 18     Wednesday     Chapter Thirteen - Regulation and the Courts    [Fifth Reading Assignment Due]

April 23     Monday     Class Presentations

April 25     Wednesday     Class Presentations

April 30     Monday     Review for Final Exam

May 7     Monday    1230 - 230 pm Final Exam

In the event a student has a conflict regarding the Final Exam date that cannot be resolved, the student may submit a written request for a change of date of the Final Exam. A form is available from the school or department office. The student must receive approval signatures from the instructor, the appropriate department head/associate dean, and the Dean of the School offering the course. Since the Final Exam schedule is published well in advance, a change of time or date will be approved only for serious reasons and not for mere convenience.

Last updated: 01/04/2012