2014-2015
Principles of Governance and Public Administration
Syllabus
Official Course Description
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
PRINGPA (13018200)
Principles of Governance and Public
Administration
1
Credits
COURSE CREDIT
MEETING TIME
Monday-Friday
Instructor: Eduardo J. Hinojos
Telephone Number: (915) 937-2940
e-mail: ehinoj04@sisd.net
Conference Time:
I.
Course Description:
Government and Public Administration introduces students to foundations of governmental
functions and career opportunities within the United States. Students will examine
governmental documents such as the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
This course is recommended for those with a high interest in Governance and/or Public
Administration as a future career possibility.
Course Pre-requisite: Not applicable with first year course.
II.
Rationale:
First year instruction in Principles of Governance and Public Administration is aimed at
presenting an overview of historical events that have been critical in shaping ideas about
government, economics, culture, religion and region. Furthermore, these ideas will be
identified in order to come to clear and meaningful conclusions as to the workings of the
United States Government and its role in the world. Students will be expected to apply
these ideas to local government and seek ways in which their own communities can be
improved or changed positively. Finally, this course premises a 4 year long program
aimed at highly preparing students with an interest in government and public
administration as a possible career choice
Student Organizations Available:
 SkillsUSA
o A national organization serving teachers and high school and college
students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service
Created Summer 2010
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2014-2015
occupations, including health occupations.
o Dues: $7.50 State $8.00 National
III.
IV.
College Preparation/Credit
This course will prepare students to not only succeed but excel among their peers in
related government and public administration courses at the college/university level.
Course Objectives:
Semester 1 (Fall)
1. The Study of American Government.
2. The Constitution.
3. Federalism.
4. American Political Culture.
5. Civil Liberties.
6. Civil Rights.
7. Congress.
8. The Presidency.
9. The Bureaucracy.
10. The Judiciary.
11. Political Participation.
V.
Semester 2 (Spring)
12. Public Opinion
13. Political Parties.
14. Elections and Campaigns.
15. Interest Groups.
16. The Media.
17.The Policy-Making Process.
18. Economic Policy.
19. Social Welfare.
20. Foreign and Military Policy.
21. Environmental Policy.
22. Who Governs? To What Ends?
Assessment: Activities allow for systematic measurement of the effectiveness of
different teaching techniques and tools in helping students grasp key concepts, skills,
and/or information in a given course. Instructors use data from assessment activities to
modify how the course is taught to continuously improve student understanding and
mastery of course material. Therefore, students should give their best effort to their role
in assessment.
Grading Policy for each 9 Week Session
Daily assignments/Quizzes=50%
Tests/Projects=30%
Nine Weeks Test=20%
VI.
Materials and Requirements
Provided Materials:
1) American Government: Institutions and Policies, 12th Edition
2) Ideas That Shape a Nation, 2nd Edition
Materials Needed:
1) Writing utensils (pencils, pens etc.)
2) Composition Notebook
3) Coloring Pencils
4) Loose leaf paper
5) Energy
Created Summer 2010
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2014-2015
VII.
VIII.
Certifications
Not applicable
Brief semester outline of course of study
SEMESTER 1
Week
1-3
4-6
7-9
Topics
Chapter
Readings
Foundations and Forms of Government
Chapters 1-2
The Study of American Government
Chapters 1-2
The American Constitution
Chapters 1,2,22
Congress and the Bureaucracy
Chapters
13,14,15,16
The Presidency
Chapters
13,14,15,16
The Judiciary
Chapters
13,14,15,16
10-12
13-15
16-18
SEMESTER 2
Week
1-3
4-6
Topics
Federalism
Chapters 3
Individual Rights
Chapters 4,5,6
The Public Good and Politics
7-9
10-12
13-15
16-18
Ethics and Politics of Public Policy
Geo- Politics and Foreign Policy
1) Who Governs Who? To What Extent?
2) Applying what you have learned project
Created Summer 2010
Chapter
Readings
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Chapters
7,8,9,10,11
Chapters 17,18,19
Chapters 20-21
Chapters 22