P.AD. 6600 American Public Service Environment
Tuesdays 1-3:30 p.m.
Professor Jane Hansberry
Jane.Hansberry@cudenver.edu
303 315 2213
Office hours: Monday 2-4 p.m, Wednesday 1-3 and by appointment
The course will introduce students to the structure and culture of the American Public Service
Environment. Through guest speakers and case studies we will explore the American Public
Service Environment and compare and contrast with those of other countries. The class will also
focus on students’ career paths and how to use the class learning to enhance your career.
Grading for this class is based entirely on class participation; full attendance and participation is
required. Please let me know IN ADVANCE if you will need to miss a class. For the sessions in
which there is a guest speaker, each student will be required to ask at least one question per
speaker.
Our work with case studies will draw from The Electronic Hallway’s collection of cases. We’ll
look at these cases from the points of view of at the U.S., and one or two others of our choosing.
We’ll need to develop a context for how we work with those viewpoints, and I’ll look to class
members to help develop that context.
We’ll also spend time studying and discussing the November 2006 Colorado ballot initiatives
and referenda. Finally, we’ll talk about careers and career paths and how the Masters in Public
Administration enhances your career potential.
This syllabus is the overall plan for how we’ll proceed. I anticipate that we will adapt and adjust
as we move through the semester together.
August 22, 2006
Introduction to the class. We will all introduce ourselves and share:
1. Our prior educational training and degrees
2. Our employment experiences
3. Why we are pursuing a Masters in Public Administration
4. What we see for our careers in one, three, and five years
5. A hobby, passion, or what we do for fun!
August 29, 2006. Homework due at class:
Create a written biography of your professional career including what you were doing most
recently before coming to the United States. Answer the following questions: What types of jobs
did you have? Have you ever worked outside of your country before? What types of things do
you want to do as an intern in the U.S.? What experiences would you like to have? What kinds of
organizations would you like to experience? (Limit: 2 written pages.)
Lecture: A history of American Public Administration from 19th century to 1960’s
September 5th
Lecture: A history of American Public Administration from 1960’s to the present.
September 12 – Transportation case study of transportation. Read and be prepared to
discuss the “Commute” case study about the private/public partnerships in Seattle transit. We’ll
look to the questions in this class in prep for September 19 guest speaker.
September 19 Scott Reed, Public Information Officer for RTD will present a lecture about
the public/private partnerships in which RTD is involved. Mr. Reed will also address RTD’s
metro-wide plans for future transit line construction.
September 26 Case study of the public information function in environmental policy.
”Operation Wilderness”, an Electronic Hallway case study. Read and be prepared to discuss this
case study. We’ll talk about the role of the public information office in U.S. public sector,
preparatory to the October 3 guest speaker.
October 3 – Ellen Dumm, Public information office Denver Health and Hospitals – Ms.
Dumm will talk about the role of the public information officer, her job, and what is new and
upcoming for Denver Health and Hospitals, including Greenprint Denver.
October 10 –Case study “Muni Equipment Maintenance”. Read and be prepared to discuss
this case study. We’ll also look ahead to the October 17th lecture.
October 17 Mary Ellen Buning, Ph.D., history of the U.S. disability rights movement. Dr.
Buning will present an overview of the U.S disability rights movement. She will also present a
detailed explanation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (enacted in 1990).
October 24 Presentation from CU Career Center on resumes, interview tips, and how to
sell oneself in the interview processs. Please bring a copy of your current resume/cv, and we
will discuss and evaluate in light of the best formats and language.
October 31 – ballot issues for November 7. Each student will have chosen 2 ballot
initiatives or referenda to present and discuss with the class. (Please email me your choices
prior to October 17th so I can ensure no duplications. First come, first to choose, so email me
early!!) You will present the facts of the issue, and field questions from the rest of the class.
Please be prepared to talk about all of the initiatives/referenda, even the ones you are not
responsible for.
November 7 ballot issues for November 7 and field trip to polling place. We will continue
our discussion from October 31, and take a field trip to the Glenarm Recreation Center polling
place, where your teacher will vote!
November 14 case study – to be determined, based upon student choice
November 28 case study – to be determined , based upon student choice
December 5 – Class wrap up.