POSC 300
Public Administration
Catalog Entry
POSC 300. Public Administration (AG, PA)
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisite: POSC 120
Background of administration as a profession, principles that are helpful to the administrator,
and effect of political influence.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Major topic areas in Public Administration that may be included in this course are:
I. The Nature of Public Administration
A. Public or Private--Is There a Difference?
B. Art, Science, or Craft
C. The Political Context
D. The Public Perception
II. Structure of Organization
A. The Basis of Organization
B. Hierarchy
C. Organization Theory
D. Line and Staff
E. Personnel and Motivation
III. Public Unionism
A. Public Unions--Pro and Con
B. Growth
C. Retrenchment
IV. Leadership
A. Qualities of Leadership
B. Techniques
C. The Management of People
V. Communication
A. Formal and Informal
B. Direction
C. Effectiveness
VI. Budgeting
A. The Political Context
B. Incremental
C. P.B.B.S.
D. Z.Z.B.
VII. Productivity
A. Measurement
B. Program Evaluation
C. M.B.O.
VIII. Administrative Law and Control
A. Limits on Administrative Discretion
B. Issues
C. Legalism As the Basis of Control
IX. Administration As a Political Actor
A. Relationship With Congress
B. Interadministration Relations
C. Relationship With the President
D. Relationship With the Courts
E. Constituent Demands and Support
X. Administrative Ethics
A. Ethical Codes
B. Ethical Case Studies
C. Whistleblowing
XI. Administrative Innovations
A. Ombudsman
B. New Administrative Units
C. Decentralization
D. Changing Work Schedules
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will be primarily a lecture class, but small group exercises and discussions, in-class exercises, and discussions involving the entire class may also be used.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. To help the student see and understand differences between the nature of public
and private administration.
2. To help the student see how public administration influences and is influenced
by politically oriented activities within government.
3. To help the student gain a basic knowledge of various practical public administrative
techniques.
4. To help the student begin to see the effects of quantitative information and analysis
as the basis for administrative decision and policy making.
Assessment Measures
Class performance may be evaluated with objective and/or essay examinations, writing assignments related to class readings, quizzes, in-class writings, class participation, and a research paper.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
April 1998 Reviewed M. J. Franck, Dept. Chair
March 01, 2021