Bureaucracy and the Policy Process
POLS 330 Ð Spring 2006
I. Introduction
In
order to adequately evaluate the American political environment, as a political
scientist one must take on the challenge of understanding bureaucracy. In this course we will examine a number
of questions surrounding public bureaucracies, including: What is the origin of the American
bureaucratic system? How has it progressed
and evolved into its current form?
Has bureaucracy been corrupted by the advancement of Òtechnical
rationalityÓ and, if so, should bureaucracy be considered inherently evil? Why are bureaucrats reviled in some
instances and revered in others? How
can or should unelected government officials be made more accountable to their
elected counterparts and to the citizens they serve? Do unelected government officials Ômake
policyÕ and, if so, what is the policy process? Is it accurate, or even fair, to carve
out public bureaucracy as the Òfourth branch of governmentÓ?
In
addressing these and many other questions, we will rely on the blending of
classic and contemporary public administration theory. Also, we will discuss real-life cases in
several areas of public policy, including homeland security, education, the
environment, law enforcement, and social welfare.
II. Contact and Meeting Information
Instructor
Trent
J. Davis
Office:
DuSable 476
Phone:
(815) 753-1818
E-mail:
tdavis2@niu.edu
Office
Hours: T/Th 10:00 to 11:00am, or by appointment
Class meetings
T/Th
11:00 to 12:15pm, DuSable 461
III. Required Course Materials
The following textbooks are
required for this course:
IV. Course Assignments and Grading Policy
This section provides an
outline of the assignments/exams required for this course and the point value
each exercise will carry. In
addition, an overview of each assignment/exam has been provided below.
|
Attendance/Participation |
50 |
The following grading
scale will be utilized: |
||
|
Chapter
Outlines |
100 |
405
- 450 |
A |
|
|
Analysis/Research
Paper |
100 |
360
- 404 |
B |
|
|
Midterm
Exam |
100 |
315
- 359 |
C |
|
|
Cumulative
Final Exam |
100 |
270
- 314 |
D |
|
|
|
450pts. |
Below
270 |
F |
|
Attendance/Participation
The
attendance/participation grade will be based on the frequency of a studentÕs
attendance and his or her level of participation (including in-class
group exercises and take-home assignments). Each student will be permitted one
unexcused absence; any unexcused absence beyond that will result in a 5-point
grade reduction per absence.
Excused absences, so long as the class attendance policy is adhered to,
will not count against a studentÕs grade.
Bear in mind that it is up to the student to provide the instructor with
advance notice (whenever possible) and the proper documentation (within
one week) validating a studentÕs absence from class.
That being said, students
are strongly encouraged to attend all regularly scheduled class lectures and
any special study sessions or exam review periods that may occur. It is also expected that students will
arrive to class on time and remain for the duration of the class period (unless
prior arrangements have been made with the instructor). In addition, students should come to
class prepared and make every effort to become actively engaged in the class
discussion.
Chapter Outlines and
Analysis/Research Paper
Overview: Over the course of the semester we will make extensive
use of the Adams and Balfour text, Unmasking Administrative Evil. Using this text, students will take part
in examining the field of public administration and its relationship, if any,
to the notion of evil. In addition,
readings critical of or counter to the aforementioned text will be explored.
This assignment requires
each student to draft four chapter outlines and one analysis/research
paper. Collectively, these papers
are designed to facilitate reading comprehension and in-class discussion, as
well as strengthen oneÕs knowledge of various concepts related to the study of
public administration.
Chapter Outline
Requirements: Each chapter
outline should summarize the primary or key points of the chapter(s) being
discussed. For example, we will
discuss Adams and Balfour chapters one and two in-class on April 11, which is
the same day that the first chapter outline is due.
Specific requirements/expectations
will be discussed in-class on March 7.
In general, however, the outlines need to conform to the following
guidelines:
Analysis/Research
Paper Requirements: Specific
requirements/expectations will be discussed in-class on March 7. In general, however, the paper needs to
conform to the following guidelines:
Grading: Grades will be based
on a number of criteria, including: demonstrated knowledge of the assigned
reading(s); correct identification and assessment of key themes; integration
and quality of outside sources; quality and style of writing (i.e., grammar and
spelling); and adherence to the required paper format (i.e., margins, font,
style guide, and etcetera).
It is strongly
recommended that each student take his or her paper to the UniversityÕs
Writing Center. While much of your grade will be based on the substance of your
work, quality of grammar and style should by no means be overlooked. Visiting the Writing Center is not
mandatory; however, students who choose to take advantage of this resource will
receive an automatic 5-point increase on their book review grade (staple proof
of session to your paper). The
Writing Center is located in Stevenson
Towers South, Lower Level. For more
information or to make an appointment call 753-6636.
Midterm and Final
Examinations
There will be a midterm and
a final exam. Both exams will
consist of any combination of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and
essay questions. The format for the
midterm and final exam will be closed-book/note. The midterm exam is scheduled for March
9 and the final exam is scheduled for
May 9. The format for the
final exam will differ from the midterm in that it will be cumulative in
nature; however, material covered during the second half of the semester will
be emphasized.
Extra Credit
Students wishing to earn
extra credit may speak to the instructor regarding the opportunity to make a
short (i.e., 10 minute) class presentation regarding some aspect of bureaucracy
and public policy. In order to earn
extra credit, you must demonstrate both an interest in and knowledge of your
topic. Depending on the quality of
your presentation, up to 10 points may be earned. Please see me for further details.
V. Undergraduate Writing Awards
The Department of Political
Science will recognize, on an annual basis, outstanding undergraduate papers
written in conjunction with 300 and 400 level political science courses or
directed studies. Authors do not
have to be political science majors or have a particular class standing;
however, winners are expected to attend the DepartmentÕs spring graduation
ceremony where they will receive a certificate and $50.00. Papers, which can be submitted by
students or faculty, must be supplied in triplicate to a department secretary
by February 28. All copies should
have two cover pages Ð one with the studentÕs name and one without the
studentÕs name. Only papers written
in the previous calendar year can be considered for the award. However, papers completed in the current
spring semester are eligible for the following yearÕs competition even if the
student has graduated.
VI. Academic Integrity and Rules of Decorum
Honesty is the essence of the intellectual
life of the University. Students
who copy the work of another on an assignment, paper, quiz, or examination are
guilty of cheating. The misrepresentation
of another's work as your own, copying material from books, magazines, or other
resources without acknowledgement and identification of those sources is
plagiarism. If a student is guilty
of either cheating or plagiarizing, or of assisting other students in cheating
or plagiarizing on an assignment, paper, quiz, or examination, the student may
receive a grade of ÒFÓ for the course and be suspended or dismissed from the
University. Please consult the UniversityÕs
website, the Student Judicial Code, or speak to the course instructor if you
have further questions concerning this policy.
In addition to the UniversityÕs Rules of Decorum, there are a few additional policies that each
student should observe.
- Always demonstrate courtesy and respect
toward all others in class. This
includes respecting the opinions of others and refraining from talking while
they are speaking.
- Make every effort to come to class on
time and be prepared. Habitual
tardiness will not be tolerated, as it is an unfair disruption to all others in
the class.
- If you must leave the class early,
please let me know before class begins.
Leaving and then returning to class, unless for a valid and necessary
reason, will not be tolerated.
- Turn off all electronic devices (i.e., cell phones,
pagers, PDAs) prior to entering class.
If you accidentally leave a phone
on and it rings during class, do not answer it. Hang up the phone.
- While the class is in progress do not
read newspapers or books for another class. Moreover, do not engage in side
conversations with other students in the class.
- During an exam, there are to be no
electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, pagers, and PDAs,
left on or visible to you or I. If
for any reason you are caught with an electronic device during an exam, you
will receive an automatic ÒFÓ on the exam and be turned in to the University
for academic misconduct.
- During an exam, all backpacks,
briefcases, purses, and etcetera are to be closed and stored under your seat. If for any reason during the exam you
must access one of these items, raise your hand and let me know prior to doing
so.
VII. Statement Concerning Students with
Disabilities
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, NIU is committed to making reasonable accommodations for persons
with documented disabilities. Those
students with disabilities that may have some impact on their coursework, and
for which they may require accommodations, should notify the Center for
Access-Ability Resources (CAAR) on the fourth floor of the Health Services
Building. CAAR will assist students
in making appropriate accommodations with course instructors. It is important that CAAR and
instructors be informed of any disability-related needs during the first two
weeks of the semester.
VIII. Department of Political Science Website
Undergraduates are strongly
encouraged to consult the Department of Political Science website on a regular
basis. This up-to-date, central
source of information will assist students in contacting faculty and staff,
reviewing course requirements and syllabi, exploring graduate study,
researching career options, tracking department events, and accessing important
details related to undergraduate programs and activities. To reach the site, go to http://polisci.niu.edu.
IX. Weekly Class Schedule
Week 1: Class Introduction and Perceptions of
Bureaucracy
Tuesday, January 17
-Course Introduction
Thursday, January 19
-Small group exercise Ð
Perceptions of Bureaucracy
-Overview of the Blackboard
Course Server
Week 2: Bureaucratic Myths and
Realities
Tuesday, January 24
-Debunking common myths and
realities about bureaucracy?
-Size of the American
bureaucracy and the Òshadow governmentÓ
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 1
Thursday, January 26
-Bureaucratic myths and
realities, continued
-Understanding the functions and
tools of government
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 2
Week 3: Rise of the
Administrative State
Tuesday, January 31
-Overview of the American
Administrative State
-American Bureaucracy formally
defined
Thursday, February 2
-The American Administrative
State, continued
Week 4: Politics-Administration
Dichotomy
Tuesday, February 7
-What is the Politics-Administration
Dichotomy? Why does it matter?
-Read: Wilson, W. (1887), ÒThe Study of
AdministrationÓ pgs. 197-222 [on-line] and
Goodnow, F. (1900), ÒPolitics and Administration: A Study of governmentÓ
pgs. 1-22 [on-line] and Svara, J. (1985), ÒDichotomy and
Duality: Reconceptualizing the
Relationship between Policy and Administration in Council-Manager CitiesÓ pgs.
221-232 [on-line]
Thursday, February 9
-Small group exercise Ð bring
readings from 2/7 with you to class.
Week 5: Politics-Administration
Dichotomy, continued
Tuesday, February 14
-The Revisionist Debate
-Read: Martin, D. (1988),
ÒThe Fading Legacy of Woodrow WilsonÓ pgs. 631-636 [on-line] and
Svara, J. (1998), ÒThe Politics-Administration Dichotomy Model as AberrationÓ
pgs. 51-57 [on-line]
Thursday, February 16
-Conclude discussion on the
Politics-Administration Dichotomy and revisionist debate
-Overview of the policy process
Week 6: The Policy Process and
Policy Typologies
Tuesday, February 21
-Overview of the policy process,
continued
Thursday, February 23
-Regulatory, Redistributive,
Distributive, and Constituent Policy
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 12
Week 7: Policy Typologies,
continued
Tuesday, February 28
-Conclude discussion on Policy
Typologies
-Bureaucracy as a policymaking
institute, a Òfourth branchÓ of government?
Thursday, March 2
-Bureaucratic policymaking
continued
-ÔOur modelÕ of bureaucratic
policymaking
Week 8: Midterm Examination
Tuesday, March 7
-First half course wrap-up
-Midterm examination Q & A
-Chapter Outline and
Analysis/Research Paper Q & A
Thursday, March 9
-Midterm Examination Ð
Bring Blue Book
Week 9: Spring Recess
Tuesday, March 14
-Spring Recess Ð No class
Thursday, March 16
-Spring Recess Ð No class
Week 10: Decision Making Models
Tuesday, March 21
-Overview of most prominent
models of decision making
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 9 (first half)
Thursday, March 23
-Overview of most prominent
models of decision making, continued
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 9 (second half)
Week 11: Public Choice Theory
Tuesday, March 28
-Overview of public choice
theory Ð guest lecturer
-Review: Kettl and Fesler,
pages 247-251
Thursday, March 30
-Public choice theory, continued
Ð guest lecturer
Week 12: Implementation and
Evaluation
Tuesday, April 4
-Class canceled due to
conference
Thursday, April 6
-Common factors affecting
implementation
-Judging implementation success
or failure
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 11
Week 13: Unmasking
Administrative Evil
Tuesday, April 11
-Introduction to Unmasking
Administrative Evil
-Read: Adams and Balfour,
chapters 1 and 2
-First Chapter Outline due
Thursday, April 13
-Small group exercise Ð Unmasking
Administrative Evil
-Read: Adams and Balfour,
chapters 3, 4, and 5
-Second Chapter Outline due
Week 14: Unmasking
Administrative Evil, continued
Tuesday, April 18
-Small group exercise Ð Unmasking
Administrative Evil,
-Read: Adams and Balfour,
chapters 6 and 7
-Third Chapter Outline due
Thursday, April 20
-Small group exercise Ð debating
and critiquing Unmasking Administrative Evil
-Read: Dubnick, M. (2000),
ÒThe Case for Administrative Evil: A critiqueÓ pgs. 464-474 [on-line] and
Vickers, M. (2000), ÒA New ConceptÓ pgs. 474-478 [on-line] and
Locke, H. (2000) ÒUnmasking Administrative Evil: The book and its criticsÓ
[on-line].
-Fourth Chapter Outline due
Week 15: Controlling the
Bureaucracy
Tuesday, April 25
-Internal and external controls
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 13 and pages 394 - 406
Thursday, April 27
-Internal and external controls,
continued
-Is it possible to effectively
control the bureaucracy?
-Analysis/Research Paper due
Week 16: Reforming the
Bureaucracy: The Future
Tuesday, May 2
-Why is reform so
difficult? Is reform necessary?
-Read: Kettl and Fesler,
chapter 4 and 6
Thursday, May 4
-Course wrap-up, final
Examination Q & A
FINAL EXAMINATION Ð Tuesday, May 9 from 10:00 to
11:50am. Bring Blue Book.
Important Dates
- March 9 Ð Midterm Examination
- March 14 and 16 Ð
Spring Recess
- April 4 Ð Class canceled
- April 11, 13, 18, and
20 Ð Chapter outline due dates
- April 27 Ð Analysis/Research
paper due
- May 9 Ð Final Examination
Please note: The instructor reserves the right to change the course schedule/requirements as necessary.