This module will introduce students to the study of Public Administration. It will identify the characteristics of Public Administration as an academic study and a practitioner focus. It will present the main ideas and concepts in the traditional model of public administration - bureaucracy, politics-administration dichotomy, scientific management - and their application. The module will then explore the rationale for contemporary ideas about public management and governance, reforming public sector organisations and attempts to deliver public services efficiently and effectively. This module will be offered on the new BA Arts programme

Part 1 Introduction: What is Public Administration? Differences between 'public' and 'private' Characteristics of public goods The role and functions of government Part 2 - Traditional Model of Public Administration Patronage and spoils to the Northcote-Trevelyan reforms Max Weber and bureaucracy Woodrow Wilson and the politics-administration dichotomy Public choice critique Part 3 - Reforming Public Administration Managerialism New Public Management E-government Accountability: theory and practice Street level bureaucracy New Public Governance

- Identify the principal characteristics of Public Administration as an academic study and practitioner practice - Describe the main changes in the structure, functioning and ethos of public administration systems since the mid-nineteenth century - Explain the contributions of the foremost theorists associated with public administration - Review the types of reform introduced in public administrations as a result of the New Public Management agenda - Recognise administrative reform ideas as they appear in practical procedures and official documentation - Demonstrate independent work through course assessment, self-organisation and development of study skills - Use a variety of web-based information resources to research and evaluate career opportunities

- Articulate the ethics and values inherent in the role of the public officials who develop, promote and implement public policy

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This module introduces students to the academic study of public administration and will be taught interactively using a range of pedagogic and investigative strategies. Both formative and summative assessments will be used (Articulate, Creative, Proactive). Individual and group-work techniques will be employed and some activities will be carried out online (Collaborative). The module is designed so as to raise student awareness of the role of the public sector and how it engages with society; familiarise students with current developments and issues concerning civil service systems and public management reform through use of recent research findings and analyses (Knowledgeable) ; equip them with useful knowledge, judgement and interpersonal skills. It will help them to think critically and demonstrate competence and confidence in applying disciplinary knowledge. The knowledge, judgement and interpersonal skills developed through the module can be used by students to contribute to political, civil, social and cultural milieux (Creative, Responsible).