Course Schedule (Tentative) Fall Semester 2026
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 (Sept 2 - 6)
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 Zoom Meeting - THURSDAY, Sept. 3 @ Noon Mountain Time
Module 2 – “What is Public Administration? How do we navigate the Complexities?” (Sept. 8 - 13)
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 (Sept. 14 - 20)
- 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? (Sept. 21 - 27)
- 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 (Sept. 28 – Oct. 4)
- 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 (Oct. 5 - 11)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 6
- Written Assignment: Current Event Memo - Budgeting & Policy
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 7 – Midterm Week (Oct. 12 - 18)
- Midterm Week!
- “Crossroads of Theory and Practice” - Project Due
Module 8 – FALL BREAK WEEK (Oct. 21 - 25)
- No Readings or Assignments this week!
Module 9 – “What about Them? (the Citizens?)” Citizen Engagement & Digital Democracy (Oct. 26 – Nov. 1)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 2, 7
- Written Assignment: Journal: Citizen Engagement Discussion Questions
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 10 – “Revisiting Your Policy Picks & Their Financial Impacts” Public Policy & Financial Mgt (Nov 2 - 8)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 8, 9
- Discussion Board: Policy Pick Application
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 11 – “The Fishbowl: Our Actions & our Partners” Transparency, Contracting, Cultural Competency (Nov 9 - 15)
- Reading:
- Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 10, 11
- Cultural Competency Podcast
- Written Assignment:
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 12 – “What are our Ethical and Legal Responsibilities?” Legal Aspects of PA and Public Integrity (Nov 16 - 22)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 12,13
- Written Assignment: Journal on Leadership
BREAK WEEK November 23 – 29 is our Thanksgiving Break
Module 13 – “Are We Hitting the Mark?” Measuring Performance in Govt (Nov 30 – Dec 6)
- Reading: Guy & Ely (G&E) Ch 14,15
- Assignments:
- Final Exam Worksheet Assigned
- Portfolios Due 12/6
- Class Zoom - Date/Time TBD
Module 14 – Wrap up, Final Week (Dec 7 - 13)
- Reading: No readings assigned
- Assignments:
- Peer Review of Portfolios Due 12/13
- Final Exam Worksheet Due 12/13