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Socialization Seminar in Public Administration


Course Description

An introduction to the profession of public administration for incoming MPA students, with emphasis on law, ethics, communications, professionalism, and cohort building.


Athena Title

Socialization Sem in Pub Admin


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)


Course Objectives

The purpose of this three-day seminar course is to provide an introduction to the profession of public administration for incoming MPA students. It features an orientation to the degree, instruction on the roles of law and ethics in administration, and workshops designed to enhance the verbal and written communication skills essential for effective public management. Alumni are used in a panel format to inform students of graduates' program experiences and life during and after the program. Among other purposes noted, it is the intent of the socialization seminar to help students create a close cohort group as they move through the program. Also, this session facilitates interaction between pre and post-services students in the MPA program, and introduces the importance of service learning.


Topical Outline

I. Orientation to the Degree and the Department II. Law and Ethics III. Communications IV. Alumni Panel V. Cohort Building


Syllabus