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Introduction to Public Administration and its Environment
California State University Northridge
Summer
2004
Dr. Matthew Cahn
Professor of Public
Policy
Department
of Political Science
California
State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8254
matthew.cahn@csun.edu
(818) 677-4797
Syllabus Available Now!! Click Here!
| Public
Administration is concerned with identifying and
implementing policy responses to public problems -- including
both policy analysis and public management.
This course is designed to provide an overview of the
discipline and to increase the student's awareness of
theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
The course will be conducted as
a seminar -- that is, the course will survive on the
contributions of seminar participants. Each participant is
expected to come to class ready to critically analyze the
reading and prepared to add to the ongoing class discussion.
The extent to which you bring your personal experiences
and insights into the discussion will define the richness of
the discussion. Course requirements include
class participation, an oral report, and a written paper.
All class meetings are mandatory.
If you must miss a class, please meet with instructor
for alternative assignment.
Readings, of course, are critical.
It is expected that students will complete all reading
assignments prior to class for which they are assigned.
Students are expected to be prepared to comment on the
readings, and to integrate the readings into the ongoing
discussion. Since
verbal communication is the keystone to public administration,
students are required to complete an analysis paper (15 - 18
pages). Finally,
students will present their papers orally for the entire
class. Papers may deal with any topic in public administration, and must utilize course materials as well as appropriate additional resources. The paper should state the issue or controversy clearly and concisely; discuss the issue in terms of public administration theory and practice; evaluate our knowledge and understanding of the issue; and reach some conclusions based on that knowledge. Do not simply summarize what others have said on the issue -- evaluate their contributions in light of the evolving literature and make your own contribution. The papers should be written in a scholarly format, typed double-spaced, according to academic protocol. Class Resources: Writing Guides and Resources:
Public Administration Policy Information
Federal Government Offices and Agencies
Federal Statutes and Regulations
Academic Policy and Politics Resources
Political Science Resources and Departments (Directories) The Presidential Election
Issue Areas
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