PADM 7260 Democracy and Public Administration

Valdosta State University

Expected Outcomes:

ADA: Valdosta State University complies fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe that you are covered under this act, and if you have need for special arrangements to allow you to meet the requirements of this course, please contact the personnel at the VSU Access Office. You may contact that office by telephone at 229-245-2498, FAX 229-245-3873. Learn more on the VSU web site at: http://www.valdosta.edu/ssp/ You may also reach them via email: access@valdosta.edu. Also, please discuss this either in person or via email with your instructor(s) at the start of each class.

Web Readings: Additional readings for the class are identified on the class pages on WebCT and the web site. In addition to the required texts, there are a number of required items that may be downloaded from the class’ online site. These readings will be indicated in the syllabus. In order to read online material at the class site, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader*. Some of the readings are available on the web. We have no control over these web sites, so the instructor, the MPA program, and the University are not responsible for their content. If a participant has difficulty accessing material at one of the identified web addresses, please contact the instructor ASAP. Additionally, if any material on a web site is found to be objectionable, please contact the instructor. Readings may be assigned from additional sources as they are identified.

Description:	An examination of the role of the career administrator in a democratic system. Topics include the nature of the American democratic system and the ethical implications of non-elected administrators playing a key role.
Text:	Box, Richard C. 2004. Public Administration and Society: Critical Issues in American Governance. M. E. Sharpe: Armonk , New York . (ISBN # 0-7656-0825-1)
Instructor:	Gerald A. "Jerry" Merwin Jr., Ph.D. <gamerwin@valdosta.edu> (Link to contact information.)
Web Site:	http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/pa/classes/padm7260/
Office Hours:	The office hours during this course will be on Tuesdays 3:00-5:30. It is possible that committee or departmental meetings will be scheduled during these times, so it is best to arrange the meetings ahead of time. Other appointment times are available by arrangement directly with the instructor.


Expected Outcomes:
Participants will demonstrate the following:
1.	discuss the evolution of the American political system as an administrative state,
2.	differentiate between levels and forms of government, and how those differences impact the career administrator,
3.	discuss the practical and ethical implications of each of the above for a career administrator, and
4.	discuss the overall role of the bureaucracy within the American democratic system.
ADA: Valdosta State University complies fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe that you are covered under this act, and if you have need for special arrangements to allow you to meet the requirements of this course, please contact the personnel at the VSU Access Office. You may contact that office by telephone at 229-245-2498, FAX 229-245-3873. Learn more on the VSU web site at: http://www.valdosta.edu/ssp/ You may also reach them via email: access@valdosta.edu. Also, please discuss this either in person or via email with your instructor(s) at the start of each class.


Web Readings: Additional readings for the class are identified on the class pages on WebCT and the web site. In addition to the required texts, there are a number of required items that may be downloaded from the class’ online site. These readings will be indicated in the syllabus. In order to read online material at the class site, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader*. Some of the readings are available on the web. We have no control over these web sites, so the instructor, the MPA program, and the University are not responsible for their content. If a participant has difficulty accessing material at one of the identified web addresses, please contact the instructor ASAP. Additionally, if any material on a web site is found to be objectionable, please contact the instructor. Readings may be assigned from additional sources as they are identified.

Reference http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/pa/classes/padm7260/index.html
Updated 10/27/2007, contact Jerry Merwin