Spring 2013 Course Listings

PA 206 Introduction to Public Affairs
Catherine Finley Woodruff
CRN: 12541
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30 - 12:45

This course focuses on contemporary policy issues including government and the economy, the role of leadership, ethical and moral issues in public policy, and other contemporary issues impacting society. Specific attention is paid to the roles that ideology, the communications media and education play in setting policy agendas. Credits: 3

PA 302 Organization Theory and Behavior
Thomas Patterson
CRN: 12543
Wednesdays 4:05 -7:05pm

This course focuses on organizational culture, organizational learning, conflict resolution, leadership-followership, and motivation in decision-making and brainstorming for alternative solutions by a competent and diverse work force. Specific skill sets are included for each topic, as well as outcomes assessment. Credits: 3

PA 306 Policy Systems
Curtis Ventriss
CRN: 12359
Tuesdays 4:00 – 7:00pm

In this introductory graduate-level service –learning course geared toward current and aspiring public administrators, you will learn about a wide range of system-wide public policy frameworks, theories and models, such as Institutional Rational Choice Framework, the Multiple Streams Framework; Social Construction and Policy Design; the Network Approach; Punctuated Equilibrium Theory; the Advocacy Coalition Framework; Innovation and Diffusion Models, Large-N Comparative Models, Critical Theory and Complex Governance Systems. You are required to engage in critically analyzing and evaluating at least one substantive policy issue of relevant community interest by applying theoretical and policy analytical skills learned in this class. The emphasis will be placed on comparing different theories & models of public policy analysis and evaluation, and investigating how different public policy theories & models are applied in varied policy systems.

PA 311 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
Asim Zia
CRN: 12546
Wednesdays 4:05 – 7:05pm

A seminar providing hands-on knowledge in policy analysis and program evaluation using case studies of current projects and problems. Specific techniques include discourse analysis, complex systems models, forecasting, quasi-experimentation, decision analysis, adaptive management, and impact assessment.

PA 317 Systems Analysis and Strategic Management
Christopher Koliba
CRN:13969
Mondays 4:05 – 7:05

Students will be introduced to systems thinking and network dynamics with a particular focus on managing across organizational and sectoral boundaries, including public-private partnerships, intergovernmental arrangements, and strategic alliances. Tools to undertake strategic analysis and planning will be explored. Credits 3

PA 323 Non-Profit Administration
Jane Van Buren
CRN : 12545
Mondays 4:05 – 7:05pm

This course will review the history of the non-profit sector in the United States, examine how it is constituted and explore how these organizations work in contrast to and in concert with governmental and business institutions. Students will explore the nature of the sector, its impact of policy making, and obtain a solid introduction to the legal, financial and management aspects of non-profit organizations. Credits: 3

PA 395 Intergovernmental Relations
Richard Cate
CRN: 13600
Tuesdays 5:30 – 8:15pm

Students will gain an understanding of how local governments of all sizes operate and interact with their constituents, state and regional governments, peer municipal governments and NGOs. The instructor will use his past experience as a local official, case studies and the literature to help students learn the important role local governments in our society. Credits: 3

PA 395 Capstone Project
Glenn McRae
CRN: 13999
Thursdays 5:10 – 8:10pm

The Capstone Project will provide graduating students with a summative experience that allows them to tie together what they have learned over the course of the program. They will apply this learning to tangible projects relating to topic of community partner’s interests. It is structured to round out and supplement the core curriculum by providing content not found in other core or elective classes. Students in their final spring semester of the program are eligible to take this. This course counts as the “comprehensive exam” for the master of public administration at UVM.

PA 380 Internship
Jason Duquette-Hoffman
CRN: 10559
Supervised administrative experience culminating in a written report.
Credits: 3-6
A requirement for MPA.

PA 391 Master’s Thesis Research
Christopher Koliba
CRN: 10560
Research Thesis topic must be approved by faculty advisor.
Credits: 6.

PA 397 Reading and Research Christopher Koliba
CRN: 10561
Readings, with conferences, term paper, to provide graduate students with specialized knowledge in an area in which an appropriate course is not offered.
Credits: 3-6

Last modified January 23 2013 11:35 AM