3980:716 Theoretical Foundations for Public Affairs

Course Description

According to The University of Akron course catalog, this course critically considers the theoretical foundations of public affairs in scholarship and research. It contrasts traditional social and natural science inquiry and more recent alternative theories to PA theory. In this course, students will be exposed to the broader historical context in which the philosophy of science has emerged as an interpretative pursuit for the social world. As a serious scholar, one must come to understand how science contributes to our interpretation of knowledge, especially as we create usable knowledge of “what is” and “what ought to be” to describe, explore, explain and predict critical factors in the social world. In this regard, this course will proceed on the assumption that much of our knowledge is socially constructed - we shall explore major themes some of which critique the philosophy of science and help to understand, critique and clarify the process of discovery in public affairs.

Learning Goals:

Each student will demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical foundations in public affairs within the historical development of the philosophy of science. Specifically, students will:
- Critique major intellectual traditions, concepts and theories underlying the study of philosophy;
- Describe the development of scientific theory and practice;
- Understand the application of theories and methods of social science;
- Analyze the utility of usable knowledge to inform the social world;
- Analyze the relevancy of methodological guidelines to uncover the constraints and limitations of current practices; and
- Demonstrate a command of the literature which serves as a foundation for social inquiry.