This course introduces students to basic theories, key concepts, and core issues in public administration and management. In addition to learning about the institutional, social, and cross-sectoral contexts of public administration and public management, students will be familiarized with key aspects of the public policy process and dynamics in public organizations. Major course objectives include (1) helping students understand basic theories and concepts in public administration and management; (2) promoting students’ understanding of different philosophical and normative orientations adopted by public management scholars; 3) providing students with opportunities to apply established theories and concepts to address specific public management problems; and 4) honing students’ much-needed skills in public speaking and teamwork.

Course objectives can only be attained with the active participation of students in class. Each student will be expected to complete required readings prior to class meetings, make oral presentation(s), submit written assignments on time, attend scheduled tutorials, and contribute critically and constructively to class discussions. Literature selected for this course is primarily from leading public administration journals, including some “classic” writings as well as more contemporary thought on each topic.