PSC 215-01
Introduction to Public Administration
Spring 2016
Professor: Dorianne Norwood
Office: Johns Hall 111A
Office Hours: Monday, 2-3 p.m.; After class and other times by appointment
E-mail: dorianne.norwood@furman.edu
Phone: 294-2327 (Home 232-1459)
Course Description: This course is designed to be an introduction to the study of public
administration. We will explore the major theories influencing the discipline, the role of public
bureaucracy in a federal system and the challenges that face public administrators in the United
States as they attempt to provide effective and equitable programs. Special emphasis will be on
the issues created by our current political, social and economic environment and the attempts of
public administrators to discover, adopt, implement and evaluate solutions in turbulent and
changing times.
The class will be a combination of lectures, videos, guest speakers and student discussion focused
on the study of public administration and how theories influencing the discipline apply to policy
implementation and bureaucratic organizations. Topics will include organizational theory and
behavior, public policy formation, administrative reform, intergovernmental relations, ethics and
social equity, human resource management and public budgeting. With an understanding of the
underlying administrative theory and the constraints facing public administrators, we will read and
consider case studies in local, state and national government.
Course Requirements and Evaluation: Grades will be determined by class participation, tests
and a paper. All assignments must be completed to pass the course.
Class Participation: (15%) Attendance will be taken daily. More than 2 unexcused
absences will affect your participation grade, and your grade will be lowered with
subsequent absences. Absences will be excused for medical reasons if the student has a
note from the infirmary or doctor and for other circumstances beyond the student’s control.
Absences resulting from the student representing Furman University in some capacity will
also be excused. In addition to unexcused absences, repeated lateness will reduce the
participation grade. Lateness may mean that you are not recorded as present at the
beginning of class. It is your responsibility to let me know you are there.
Classes will include discussion and student participation. Keeping up with reading
assignments in both the texts and the New York Times is essential to successful class
participation. The participation grade is based not only on attendance but on positive
involvement in class discussion which requires being informed on current issues and
initiatives as well as the material assigned. Pop quizzes on reading may contribute to the
participation grade. Laptops and other electronic devices create a distraction to you and
those around you and should not be used unless there is a valid personal reason to do so.
Exams: (60%) There will be one mid-term test and a final exam which will each be a
combination of short answer and essay questions and will each be worth 30% of the final
grade. An unexcused absence from the final exam will result in an “F” on the exam.
Absolutely no cell phones or other electronic devices will be permitted in the classroom
during any test or exam. The penalty for disregarding this may be an “F” on the test.
Cheating of any kind on any test or exam will result in a “0” on that test.
Students with identified disabilities requiring special consideration should make
arrangements well in advance of the testing date with Student Office for Accessibility
Resources (SOAR) at 2320.
Paper: (25%) A7-8 page paper will be due in class on March 21 and will be based on
your choice of two books: Heat Wave by Eric Klinenberg or Disaster: Hurricane Katrina
and the Failure of Homeland Security by Christopher Cooper and Robert Block. Both
books focus on the failure of local, state or federal administrations to carry out their
missions in dealing with disaster.
The books are both available in paperback at Amazon. One deals primarily with city and
county government and the other with the federal response. Read the book first and
consider the implications for public administration. Write a paper explaining the problem
or problems, how bureaucracy failed and what changes have been made to deal with the
situation in the future. Bring in at least two outside articles from reputable sources that
add to your explanation of the administrative failure and at least two more that help to
explain changes and improvements put in place since the disaster and its consequences. If
you have questions about the assignment, please talk with me, and note that the papers are
due March 21, so read the book and get started early.
Your paper must be 7-8 pages, possibly more but not less, typed, numbered and double
spaced. Use 12-point Times New Roman or similar proportional font. Margins may not
exceed 1.25”. Cite your sources properly using APSA citation. You may reference course
texts, but you must have at least 4 other sources. Submit your paper both electronically
and as hard copy in class. Late papers will be docked one letter grade for each day they
are late.
Your paper must be your own work. Information on plagiarism and the penalties for
plagiarism is included in the handout on “Academic Integrity at Furman.” Read it
carefully. If you have any questions, ask them. The penalties for plagiarism are severe.
Reading Assignments: The following books are required and are available at the bookstore.
Assignments are listed below.
Public Administration Evolving, Guy and Rubin, eds., Routledge
If We Can Put a Man on the Moon…, Eggers and O’Leary, Harvard Business Press
In addition to assigned books, you will also be responsible for reading and analyzing
articles handed out in class or on Moodle. Class discussion will often be based on current
issues, the political environment and public opinion. Keeping up with daily events is
essential. Be sure to read The New York Times daily paying special attention to those
articles that pertain to public administration. The paper is available every weekday on
campus as well as on-line.
Course Schedule and Readings
January 11
Course Introduction
January 13-15
What is Public and What is Public Administration?
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 1
Man on the Moon, Preface
January 20-27
Goals of Public Administrators and Policy Makers
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 10
Man on the Moon, Introduction and Chapter 1 (Tolstoy Trap)
Jan. 29 - Feb. 1
Concept of Public Bureaucracy
Centralia Mine Disaster case study (handout)
Man on the Moon, Chapter 2 (Design-Free Design Trap)
February 3-15
Power, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations in the US
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 2
Man on the Moon, Chapter 3 (Stargate Trap)
February 17
Midterm Test
February 19-24
Key Decision Makers and the Policy Process
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 5
Feb. 26 – March 3
Decision Making
Man on the Moon, Chapter 4 (Overconfidence Trap)
March 4-16
Public Budgeting
Budget Handout (City of Greenville)
Chapter 5, Man on the Moon
March 4-14
Program Implementation
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 3
Man on the Moon, Chapter 5 (Sisyphus Trap)
Wichita case study (handout)
March 16-18
Program Evaluation
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 7
March 21-23
Public Management: Concept of the Informal Group
Los Angeles Case Study (handout)
March 30–April 1
Administrative Communication and Collaborative Process
Man on the Moon, Chapter 6 (Complacency Trap)
How Kristin Died case study (handout)
March 23-30
Public Management: Collaborative Process
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 6
April 1-6
Public Personnel and Labor Relations
Chicago and Public Union handouts
April 8
Discussion of Heat Wave
April 11
Discussion of Disaster: Hurricane Katrina
April 13-15
Tides of Reform
Guy and Rubin, Chapter 11
Man on the Moon, Chapter 7 (Silo Trap)
April 18-25
Ethics, Issues and Dilemmas in Public Administration
Man on the Moon, Chapter 8 (Creating a Better Future)
Re-read How Kristin Died
May 6
Final Exam (12-2:30)