Course Schedule (Tentative)
This course schedule is subject to change. The professor will notify students and post updates on Canvas regarding any changes necessary during the semester. Students are responsible for staying up-to-date with any changes made.
Synchronous class meetings/lectures: For most modules, I will host a synchronous discussion and/or mini-lecture. We will decide together in our first virtual meeting on the best day/time for this recurring weekly optional meeting. Recordings of the meetings are provided for students in Canvas.
Module 1 – Introductions (Jan. 7-11, 2026)
- Reading:
- Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 1
- How to Read a Book
- SUU MPA Strategic Plan
- Introduction Discussion Board & Write It Down assignment
- Student Skills Self-Assessment Survey
- Student Information Survey
- Class Orientation - THURSDAY, January 8, from 6-7pm MST (Link to Join Zoom)
Module 2 – “What is Public Administration? How do we navigate the Complexities?” (Jan. 12-18)
- Reading:
- Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 2
- The Evolution of PA
- Max Weber’s Bureaucracy
- The Study of Public Admin
- Discussion Board (A) - Current Event Article
- Discussion Board (B) - Policy Pick
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 3 – “What kind of Leader Am I?” Managing People & Organizations (Jan. 20-25) *1/19 is MLK Day Holiday
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 3
- Written Assignment: Managing People vs Leadership
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 4 – Who are the “Cornerstones of the Field” - the “Classics” we should know about? (Jan. 26-Feb. 1)
Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 4,5
- Discussion Board: Choose a “Classic” (theory or theorist) & Discuss
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 5 – Human Resource Functions and Processes, Systems Theory (Feb. 2-8)
- Reading:
- Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 5
- Deming resources in Canvas
- Written Assignment: Journal on HR Processes
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 6 – “The Numbers Show your Policy Priorities” Public Budgeting (Feb. 9-15)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 6
- Written Assignment: Current Event Memo - Budgeting & Policy
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 7 – Midterm Week (Feb. 17-22) *2/16 Presidents’ Day Holiday
Midterm Week!
- “Crossroads of Theory and Practice” - Project Due
Module 8 – “What about Them? (the Citizens?)” Citizen Engagement & Digital Democracy (Feb. 23-Mar. 1)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 2, 7
- Written Assignment: Journal: Citizen Engagement Discussion Questions
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 9 – “Revisiting Your Policy Picks & Their Financial Impacts” Public Policy & Financial Mgt (Mar 2-8)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 8, 9
- Discussion Board:Policy Pick Application
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
__________________SPRING BREAK WEEK (Mar. 9-15, 2026)_______________________
- No Readings or Assignments this week!
Module 10 – “The Fishbowl: Our Actions & our Partners” Transparency, Contracting, (Mar. 16-22)
Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 10, 11
- Written Assignment: TBD
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 11 – Cultural Competency in Public and Nonprofit Service (Mar. 23-29)
Cultural Competency Podcast
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 12 – “What are our Ethical and Legal Responsibilities?” Legal Aspects of PA and Public Integrity (Mar. 30-Apr. 5)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 12,13
- Written Assignment: Journal on Leadership
- Portfolios Due
- Final Exam Assigned
Module 13 – “Are We Hitting the Mark?” Measuring Performance in Govt (Apr. 6-12)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 14,15
- Assignments:
- Assignment TBD
- Peer Review of Portfolios Due
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 14 – Wrap up, Final Week (Apr. 13-19)
- Reading: No readings assigned
- Assignments: