POL 571 Foundations of Civic and Nonprofit Administration and Theory

Course Description

This course is designed to provide future nonprofit managers and leaders with an overview of the nonprofit sector and range of concerns and practices related to nonprofit management. The course will expand students’ knowledge about the nonprofit sector as well as their management and analytical tools. This course is built on the assumption that students learn more if they are actively engaged with the course material. Assignments and discussions, as well as spending time in the community through service-learning projects, will allow students to test knowledge, formulate ideas and strategies, respond to management dilemmas, and get immediate feedback from classmates and the instructor.

The primary course learning objectives are as follows (with emphasis levels in brackets, High or Medium):
• Develop core competencies in public service management and leadership, guided by ethical and accountable practices, and powered by theory-based skill development. [H]
• Understand the role of public administrators in the policy-making continuum, including problem identification, design and assessment of policy alternatives, appropriation and authorization processes, implementation, and the use of evaluative techniques and
procedures. [M]
• To identify and solve complex problems, make effective decisions, lead organizations, manage public and nonprofit resources, and effectively communicate outcomes using theoretical support, strong research methodology, and critical thinking skills. [H]
• Synthesize the theoretical underpinnings of public administration with the practical content of ethical and accountable practice in public and community service work through service projects, research, and career applications. [H]
• Communicate and collaborate productively with diverse populations in the workplace and in the larger community. [M]