Course Objectives:

Readings

Expectations and Approach

Course Requirements

Class Participation

Students are expected to complete the assigned readings and come to class prepared to discuss all readings, handouts, and assignments that are due.  Given the small class and seminar approach, it will be obvious to all whether you are prepared to discuss and ask questions about the readings.   Each student should be prepared to share with the class questions that the readings raised and be able to identify the most significant point or contribution that the author makes to the practice of public administration.  Poor classroom attendance may result in a failing participation grade since you cannot participate if you are not in class.  Therefore, you should notify the instructor when you are unable to attend class or have to arrive late or leave early.  If you should miss a session when a video is shown, it may be possible to make arrangements to view the film privately at the library or to borrow the video.  Your participation grade will also be lowered due to the frequent inability to respond to the instructor’s questions, poor class preparation, lack of enthusiastic participation in class exercises, or the failure to treat others in the classroom with respect (e.g., talking while others are talking, ridiculing other students, etc.).  Simply put, in order to receive an “A” in this class you must be a civil, active contributor to class and not merely score well on exams and assignments.  

Case memos

The analysis of case studies essentially is self-learning through simulated experience.  Therefore, its success depends on the lively interchange of information, ideas, and opinions brought out in class discussion.  Students are required to complete 4 memos based on cases of varying length and complexity.  Each memo must also include an attachment that describes how 3 sets of theories or concepts (see the review sheet for the final exam for examples) applies to that particular case.  Since case analysis and writing memos may be a new experience, students can rewrite 2 memos and I will average the grades.  Accordingly, students concerned about their final course grade should consider revising memos with poor grades.  Failure to complete a memo results in a zero.  Memo grades are reduced by a letter grade each day they are late.  Click here for detailed directions.

Organizational Assessment

Exams

Grading

Course grades will be calculated based on the following: A (920 – 1000), A- (900 – 919), B+ (880 – 899), B (820 – 879), B- (800 – 819), C+ (780 – 799), C (720 – 779), C- (700 – 719), D+ (680 – 699), D (620 – 679), D- (600 – 619), and F (0 – 599).  In the event that an assignment is given a letter grade, points are allocated by using the midpoint of the grade range and multiplying it the number of possible points.  For example, an A for a 5% memo would equal 95% of 50 points or 47.5 while a B+ would equal 89% of 50 points or 44.5.  There is no rounding up or down. 

All members of UNCW’s community are expected to follow the academic Honor Code. Please read the UNCW Honor Code carefully (as covered in the UNCW Student Handbook).  Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated in this class.  Be advised that I have a zero tolerance policy for cheating or plagiarism.  Anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing an assignment will receive a failing grade for the course.

Tentative due dates for course assignments are listed on the attached course schedule and are subject to change based on class progress and student preferences.  You should check the course schedule and announcements pages on the course web site periodically for changes in due dates.  Students may bring forward requests for changing the dates of major assignments for class approval with a minimum of one-week advance notice to the class.  

Unless I have agreed in advance, all assignments are due at the beginning of the class period they are due.  Informing the instructor of your intention to be absent does not waive your obligation to submit the work that is due.  Late assignments lose one full letter grade per day they are late.  An incomplete will only be granted when there are serious extenuating circumstances that occur after the withdrawal period.

Students with diagnosed disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services (962-7555).  Please give me a copy of the letter you receive from Office of Disability Services detailing class accommodations you may need.  If you require accommodation for test-taking please make sure I have the referral letter no less than three days before the test.

UNCW has recently instituted a Respect Compact to affirm our commitment to a civil community, characterized by mutual respect.  That Compact will soon be affixed to the wall of each classroom and can be accessed at: http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/pdc/documents/SeahawkRespectCompact.pdf.  Students are expected to treat others in this class in accordance with this campus policy.

Cell phone use will not be tolerated in this class.  Turn off your cell phones prior to class.  If your phone rings, the Professor reserves the right to answer the call and/or to confiscate the phone.