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Courses

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Human Resources Management 

This course will explore the relationship between employers, employees, and their labor relations organizations in public sector organizations by examining the history, trends, and broad performance management, as well as legal, public policy, and labor issues in public sector organizations. Within the public sector, many of the most visible and interesting controversies, such as affirmative action, employee ethics, harassment, drug testing, and labor-management relations, are addressed by human resource management (HRM) functions in organizations.

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Public managers need to learn that human resources management serves as a vehicle for organizational redesign, change leadership, and strategic planning. In the current environment, public leaders must be prepared to advocate for the strategic HRM and the capacity building of agency, organizational, and departmental leaders. Public leaders need to find ways to be flexible and responsive to change and adapt to shifting patterns of employment and relationships. During the semester, you will be challenged to work on real problems facing your agency or organization and to reflect on yourself as a public manager, class participant, and group member.

Readings from: 

  1. Human Resource Management in Public Service - Berman, Bowman, West, and Van Wart

  2. Human Resource Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations- Pynes

  3. Managing Human Behavior in Public and Nonprofit Organizations-  Denhardt, Denhardt,                                                                                                                               Aristigueta, and Rawlings         

  4. Multiple Peer-reviewed articles from public administration scholars

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Nonprofit Management

This course is a comprehensive introduction to nonprofit organizations. In this class, students explore why nonprofits exist through the lens of economic, social, and political theories. Students focus on the unique impact that nonprofits have on individuals, families, and communities across the United States and the globe. The course provides an exploration of contemporary topics surrounding the nonprofit sector, including the opportunities and challenges for nonprofit professionals and their respective organizations.  â€‹â€‹

Objectives 

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:

  1. Define the nonprofit sector and the different categories of organizations

  2. Understand the history and legal foundations of the sector

  3. Know why the sector exists and what theories relate to why nonprofits are needed in society.

  4. See the role of nonprofits in civil society through community building and citizen engagement

  5. Gain insight into why people and organizations financially support nonprofits

  6. Understand the economic, social, and political contributions of nonprofits

  7. Study trends and the future of the sector

Readings from: 

  1. The Nonprofit Sector- Powell and Bromley

  2. Nonprofit Neighborhoods- Dunning

  3. Budgeting and Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations- Weikart and Chen

  4. Nonprofit Organizations and Civil Society in the United States- LeRoux and Feeney

  5. Performance and Public Value in the ‘Hollow State’: Assessing Government–Nonprofit Partnerships- LeRoux and Wright

  6. Multiple Peer-reviewed articles from public administration scholars

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Research Design and Methodology
(course being developed)

Course Description:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of research design and methodology, essential for conducting rigorous and impactful research in various academic and professional fields.  This course covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods, emphasizing the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Course Objectives:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of research design and methodology.

  • Develop the ability to formulate research questions and hypotheses.

  • Gain proficiency in selecting appropriate research methods and tools.

  • Learn to design and implement qualitative and quantitative studies.

  • Analyze and interpret research data effectively.

  • Enhance skills in writing research proposals and reports.

Foundational Reading: 

  1. Designing Social Inquiry- King,  Keohane, and Verba

  2. Data Analysis for Social Science- Llaudet and Imai

  3. Understanding Statistics and Experimental Design-  Herzog, Francis, Clarke 

  4. Multiple Peer-reviewed articles from public administration scholars

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Race and Public Administration
​(course being developed)

This course examines the critical role of race in public administration, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for promoting equity and inclusion within governmental institutions. It aims to develop an understanding of how racial dynamics influence public policy, administration, and service delivery. Students will explore strategies for creating more inclusive and equitable public institutions through theoretical analysis, case studies, and practical applications.

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Course Objectives:

  • Understand the historical and contemporary impact of race on public administration.

  • Analyze the role of public administrators in addressing racial disparities.

  • Develop skills to design and implement policies that promote racial equity.

  • Explore the ethical considerations of race in public administration.

  • Understand how race is measured and studied by the government

  • Engage with diverse communities to understand their needs and perspectives.

Readings from: 

  1. Race and Public Administration- Rutherford and Meier

  2. Color of Law - Rothstein

  3. Segregation by Design- Trounstine

  4. Race and Social Equity: A Nervous Area of Government- Gooden

  5. Multiple Peer-reviewed articles from public administration scholars

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Policy and Comedy
(Course being developed)

This course delves into comedy's unique and powerful role in shaping public policy and discourse. The course examines how humor can be used for social critique, political commentary, and public engagement. Students will explore how comedy influences and reflects societal norms, values, and policies through theoretical analysis and practical application. In addtion, learn how public opion can inluence 

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Course Objectives:

  • Understand the historical and contemporary role of comedy in public discourse.

  • Analyze the impact of humor on public opinion and policy-making.

  • Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate comedic content and its societal implications.

  • Explore the ethical considerations of using humor in public discourse.

  • Create and present comedic content that addresses current policy issues

Readings from: 

  1. Politics Is a Joke!: How TV Comedians Are Remaking Political Life-  Lichter, Baumgartner                                                                                                                                                 and Morris 

  2. On the Real Side- Mel Watkins

  3. Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making- Stone

  4. The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion- Zaller

  5. Multiple Peer-reviewed articles from public administration scholars

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Disasters, Race, and Public Policy: Societal Impacts and Responses
​(Course being developed)

This course explores the complex interplay between disasters, race, and public policy, focusing on how natural and man-made disasters disproportionately affect marginalized communities and shape societal responses. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and political dimensions of disasters, with a particular emphasis on racial disparities. Through theoretical analysis, case studies, and practical applications, students will examine the role of public policy in mitigating and responding to disasters, and the importance of promoting equity and justice in disaster management.

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Course Objectives:

  • Understand disasters' historical and contemporary impact on different racial and ethnic groups.

  • Analyze the role of public policy in addressing racial disparities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

  • Research equitable disaster management policies in local, state, and federal agencies

  • Analyze how disasters can influence elections, policy development, and the design of communities.

  • Research diverse communities to understand their needs and perspectives in the context of disasters.

Readings from: 

  1. Disaster Policy and Politics: Emergency Management and Homeland Security-  Sylves

  2. Disasters: A Sociological Approach- Tierney

  3. Playing Politics with Natural Disasters- Kneeland

  4. Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Recovery- Aldrich

  5. Heatwave- Klinenberg

  6. Multiple Peer-reviewed articles from public administration scholars

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