Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Public Administration (Face-to-Face)

POLS 3410-01

Course: POLS 3410-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Political Sci Criminal Justice
CRN: 31655

Course Description

Examination of the mechanics and dynamics of government administration. Emphasis on the rise and impact of bureaucratic state, tasks of administrators, technical aspects of administration, and administrative responsibility. (Fall - Odd Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Public Administration, An Introduction by Marc Holzer and Richard W. Schwester, Routledge; Fourth Edition, 2025 ISBN 978-1-03251703-2

Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will be introduced to the exciting world of Public Administration! The corresponding course outcomes are designed to be engaging and explorative in answering questions about a future study or career in Public Administration. These outcomes align with SUU's Essential Learning Outcomes 1,2,4, and 6. These ELO's are required for a General Education course. The course outcomes are as follows:

  1. Explain the role and scope of public administration in the U.S. political system and identify how public service contributes to civic life. (ELO 1: Civic Engagement)

  2. Communicate clearly and professionally about public administration concepts through written, oral, and visual formats. (ELO 2: Communication)

  3. Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate administrative decisions and public sector dilemmas. (ELO 6: Ethical Reasoning)

  4. Analyze public programs and policies using principles of organizational theory, leadership, and performance management. (ELO 4: Critical Thinking)

  5. Reflect on the values and responsibilities of public service, including transparency, accountability, and service to diverse communities. (ELO 1: Civic Engagement; ELO 6: Ethical Reasoning) 

Course Requirements

We will accomplish the course objectives with the following requirements:

Class Participation/Contribution

This course requires active and consistent participation. Your contributions will help connect course concepts to real-world experiences and create a richer, more engaging, and more diverse learning environment for everyone. Active participation also provides opportunities to ask questions, consider different perspectives, practice applying course concepts, and learn from your classmates.

Each class includes an activity designed to reinforce the module’s primary concepts. Many of the ideas explored through these activities may also appear on the Midterm and Final. Therefore, regular attendance and meaningful participation are important to your success in the course.

Attendance will be taken randomly six times during the semester. Each attendance check is worth 5 points, for a total of 30 possible points. While you may not be able to attend every class, consistent attendance and active engagement are expected.

Chapter Quizzes

Each module has a corresponding quiz based on the chapter you are assigned to read from the required textbook. Each quiz is due at the beginning of the next module. Each quiz is 5 questions and worth 5 points. The quizzes should be done individually, but they are open-book. You will have one hour and one attempt to complete each quiz. There is a total of 65 points possible  

Reflection Discussion 

This assignment will require you to participate in one Canvas discussion that expounds upon principles addressed in class. The discussion will help you reflect on the values and responsibilities of Public Service and will allow you to practice professional communication with classmates who may have differing opinions. This assignment includes an initial post communicating your position (20 pts) as well as responding to a minimum of two of your classmates' posts (5 pts each). There are 30 total points possible.

Data/Tech Assignment

Technology is transforming how public administration operates — from data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence to digital service delivery and citizen engagement platforms. As future public administrators, it is critical to understand how technology creates both opportunities and challenges for effective governance.

This assignment will require you to:

  1. Analyze how technology influences public administration.

  2. Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges (SWOC) of technology in public administration.

  3. Apply what you learn to your own experience as a student and future public service professional.

Mid-term/Final

You will have a Midterm and Final Exam. These will be available on Canvas. They will include a combination of 25 multiple-choice questions (2 pts each) and essay questions (varying between 5pts - 10pts each). These questions will cover material from your assigned readings as well as class lectures and activities. Each exam will be worth 75 points.

Course Outline

Welcome and Syllabus: September 2–6

Lesson Topic: Welcome and Course Syllabus

Assignment:

  •  Syllabus Quiz due Tuesday, September 8, at 11:59 PM (MDT) 
Lecture:

  •  September 3: Get Your Feet Wet 

Module 1: What Public Administration Entails

Assignments and Readings due Monday, September 14, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 1 reading 
  •  Chapter 1 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  September 8: I Spy 
  •  September 10: A Walk Down Public Administration Road 

Module 2: Management and Organizational Theory

Available: September 8

Assignments and Readings due Monday, September 21, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 2 reading 
  •  Chapter 2 quiz 
  •  Reflection assignment/discussion 
Lectures:

  •  September 15: Efficiency and Ethics 
  •  September 17: Who’s the Boss? 

Module 3: Politics and Public Administration

Available: September 15

Assignments and Readings due Monday, September 28, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 3 reading 
  •  Chapter 3 quiz 
  •  Reflection assignment and peer replies 
Lectures:

  •  September 22: George v. Andrews 
  •  September 24: Draw It Out 

Module 4: Intergovernmental Relations

Available: September 22

Assignments and Readings due Monday, October 5, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 4 reading 
  •  Chapter 4 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  September 29: Muddy Waters 
  •  October 1: Keep It Private—It’s Not Everyone’s Business...or Is It? 

Module 5: Ethics in Public Administration

Available: September 29

Assignments and Readings due Monday, October 12, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 5 reading 
  •  Chapter 5 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  October 6: Ethical Dilemma 
  •  October 8: The Snow Is Falling 

Module 6: Managing Human Resources

Available: October 6

Assignments and Readings due Monday, October 19, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 6 reading 
  •  Chapter 6 quiz 
  •  Midterm exam 
Lectures:

  •  October 13: Lessons on Leading 
  •  October 15: No class—time provided for the midterm exam 

Module 7: Public Decision-Making

Available: October 13

Assignments and Readings due Monday, October 26, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 7 reading 
  •  Chapter 7 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  October 20: No class—Fall Break 
  •  October 22: America’s Next Top Model 

Module 8: Public-Sector Leadership

Available: October 20

Assignments and Readings due Monday, November 2, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 8 reading 
  •  Chapter 8 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  October 27: No class—ULCT 
  •  October 29: Guess Who—PA Style/I’ve Got the Power! 

Module 9: Public Budgeting and Finance

Available: October 27

Assignments and Readings due Monday, November 9, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 9 reading 
  •  Chapter 9 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  November 3: Sell It! 
  •  November 5: Don’t Buy Stuff 

Module 10: Public Performance

Available: November 3

Assignments and Readings due Monday, November 16, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 10 reading 
  •  Chapter 10 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  November 10: Bench Warming or Benchmarking? 
  •  November 12: What the DMV Could Learn from Chick-fil-A (You Know What I Am Talking About) 

Module 11: Program and Policy Assessment

Available: November 10

Assignments and Readings due Monday, November 30, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 11 reading 
  •  Chapter 11 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  November 17: Responsible Data 
  •  November 19: Let’s Make a Policy 
Thanksgiving Break: November 23–27

Assignments: None

Modules 12 and 13: Government, Data, and Technology

Available: November 17

Assignments and Readings due Monday, December 7, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapters 12 and 13 reading 
  •  Chapters 12 and 13 quiz 
  •  Critical Thinking Technology Assignment 
Lectures:

  •  December 1: Let’s Get Digital! 
  •  December 3: The Technology Struggle Is Real 

Module 14: The Future of Public Administration

Available: December 1

Assignments and Readings due Monday, December 14, at 11:59 PM (MDT):

  •  Chapter 14 reading 
  •  Chapter 14 quiz 
Lectures:

  •  December 8: The Canary Metaphor 
  •  December 10: Utah ASPA—What’s That? 

Final Exam

Available: December 8

Due: Thursday, December 17, at 11:59 PM (MDT)

Assignment:

  •  Final exam 
December 17: Get the final done!

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

All assignments are due at 11:59 PM (MOUNTAIN TIME) on the day listed in the course outline. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct and final version of your assignment has been submitted by the deadline. Assignments received after the due date and time are considered late and will be penalized 10% of the possible grade (this includes Discussion Posts). For each week after the initial week that assignments are late, an additional 10% penalty will be applied.

Attendance Policy

Each class includes an activity designed to reinforce the module’s primary concepts. Many of the ideas explored through these activities may also appear on the Midterm and Final. Therefore, regular attendance and meaningful participation are important to your success in the course.

Attendance will be taken randomly six times during the semester. Each attendance check is worth 5 points, for a total of 30 possible points. While you may not be able to attend every class, consistent attendance and active engagement are expected.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.