Policy and Politics

Description

Within public administration and policy processes the existence of politics is a reality. Therefore, we need leaders who can access the underpinnings of politics and the consequences of political ideologies. Harold Lasswell stated, "politics is about who gets what, when, where, and how." If this is the case, then leaders need to be actively engaged in every aspect of politics. However, such engagement in politics can test our character regularly. To this end, Bill George stated, "successful leadership takes conscious development and requires being true to your life story." As members of a learning community and society, we will endeavor to excavate the nature of politics, leadership, and their relational space to policy.

 Via classic and contemporary readings, guest speakers, seminar, debate, lecture, policy briefs, legislative testimony, and workshops; students will develop an understanding about where politics come from and the myriad of political ideologies and systems in practice globally. We will also pursue an understanding of philosophical foundations of Western political thought, the history of the U.S. Constitution and Constitutions of regional Tribal Nations, and concepts of political "otherness." In sum, we will dig in to what many talk about, but few really understand: politics & policy. Texts listed below:

 Ball, T. & Dagger, R. (2010). Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal. 8th Edition. Longman Publishing. ISBN: 978-0205779963.