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Master Course Outline
POL S 204
Introduction to Public Administration
Course Description: This course will provide students with a basic knowledge of administrative
functions within the public service. We will address concerns within the management of public programs
found at all levels of government: federal, state, and local. Students will examine the work of public
administrators in various aspects of organizations, from the Internal Revenue Service to the public works
department in a city or county government. Students will become aware of the political and historical
context within which public organizations operate and their commitment to public service. 5 lecture
hours. Satisfies specified elective requirement for the AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites:
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL& 101; READ 090 or placement in college
level reading or instructor permission. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL& 101.
Co-requisites:
Learning Outcomes:
The learning objectives and abilities for this course are to improve student performance in the following
areas:
To encourage an exchange of ideas and concerns about the material presented through critical
thinking, disciplinary learning, and use of resources
To understand the history of public service at the federal and state levels through critical
thinking, disciplinary learning, and use of resources
To understand the development of politics within public service and its impact on service
through critical thinking, literacy, disciplinary learning, and use of resources
Toto examine and report on the various reasons for local agencies to be held accountable
through critical thinking, disciplinary learning, use of resources, and social responsibility
To determine what can be done to improve upon public administration through critical thinking,
literacy, disciplinary learning, social responsibility, and personal responsibility
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website:
The Craft of Public Administration, by Berkley ad Rouse
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
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responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.
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