Course Policy and Procedures
Policy and Ethics – PUP 3054
St. Petersburg College
Department of Public Policy
College of Policy, Ethics and Legal Studies
Seminole Campus, Room LI 115A
Tues. 6:00 pm – 8:40 pm – Section 4118
Fall 2014
Instructor: Laurie King
Office and Office Hours: Please see my instructor page for this information: http://www.spcollege.edu/instructors/id/1146
Office Phone: 727-394-6035
Email: king.laurie@spcollege.edu
Course Prefix and Number: PUP 3054 – Section 4118
Course Name: Policy and Ethics
Instructor Page Link: http://www.spcollege.edu/instructors/id/1146
Fall 2014 – Syllabus Addendum Link: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm
Welcome to Class:
The rest of this syllabus is the “legalistic” requirements of all syllabi at St. Petersburg College. So, before we get started with all of the formalities, I would like to welcome you to my class. I sincerely hope you can walk away from this class with some practical guidelines on how to lead your life both professionally and personally. I am here to help facilitate this learning experience, and I would like for you to get the most out of it. That being said, I am here for you. If you have questions, don’t understand something, encounter a problem or just need some clarification, please contact me. I will do my best to help you, or point you in the right direction for assistance. Below, is the rest of the “stuff” I have to tell you about. Here we go!
Course Description:
This course will provide a basic foundation of identifying and critically thinking about ethical considerations as they pertain to public organizations, employees and elected officials. The emphasis will be on the problem solving approach relating to realistic issues and dilemmas that present in the public sector. Students will be guided by theory, research and past experiences of managers, employees and elected officials.
Course Objectives:
1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts and definitions in the field of policy and ethics.
2. The student will apply critical thinking, logic, and decision making models to policy development and interpretations.
3. The student will develop the ability to recognize “political influences” within every organization and decision making process.
4. The student will demonstrate an understanding of internal and external pressures, professional judgment and leadership, and timely, rational and responsible evaluation of public sector professionals.
5. The student will demonstrate strategic thinking, mission alignment, goals, values and purpose as applied to policy situations and ethical case studies.
Required Textbooks:
Lewis, Carol W., Gilman, Stuart C., The Ethics Challenge in Public Service – A Problem Solving Guide, Third Edition (San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 2012).
Thompson, William N., Leidlein, James E., Ethics in City Hall (Sudbury, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC, 2009).
Attendance Policy:
The college-wide attendance policy is included in the Syllabus Addendum http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm. The policy notes that each instructor is to exercise professional judgment and define “active participation” in class (and therefore “attendance”). For this class, my attendance policy is as follows:
Attendance in this course is critical to learning. Classroom participation will be part of your grade. Furthermore, tests, papers and presentations will also require knowledge of classroom discussions. Thus, it is highly improbable that a student who misses class or is frequently tardy will earn a passing grade. (Remember each session is 2 hours and 40 minutes in length.) It is your responsibility to notify me of any absence. If you will be absent for a more than one week, you must also notify the Associate Provost.
Please note that the policy of this class is that any student who has 4 or more absences will receive an F for this class. Also note that just because you notify me of an absence will not make it an excused absence. An absence is an absence. I do not distinguish between an “excused” absence and an “unexcused” absence. If you have a chronic situation arise that will not allow you to come to class, please see me so we can go over your options.
Please also note that the only way you can receive a “W” for this class is to withdraw yourself. The instructor is unable to input a “W” on your behalf. If you simply stop coming to class, and do nothing, you will receive an F.
I will take attendance immediately at the beginning of class. It is your responsibility, if late, to be certain I change you to tardy. Attendance and punctuality are critical to your overall grade for a variety of reasons. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late to class, I will count that as an absence. If you miss 30 minutes or more in any class meeting, I will also change your attendance as an absence for that class. Your attendance and number of tardies will count toward your participation grade.
Veterans Attendance Policy:
The Veteran's administration requires timely reporting of students who are receiving veterans' benefits and who are no longer attending classes. In order to meet these requirements, a report is completed whenever a student receiving VA benefits misses two consecutive classes.
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT:
Dean: Susan Demers
Clearwater
SS 165
727-791-2501
Instructor in Charge: Jeff Kronschnabl
Instructor in Charge
College of Policy and Legal Studies
St. Petersburg College/Seminole Campus
9200 113th Street North
Seminole, FL 33772
kronschnabl.jeffery@spcollege.edu
(727)394-6205 Cell (727)224-7022
(727)394-6210 fax
Grading:
Your final grade in this class will be based on the points you earn on assignments, participation and exams. There are 500 total points available for the semester. The final grades will be determined as follows:
A = 90-100% (450 - 500 points) and no more than 2 absences
B = 80 - 89% (400 - 449 points)
C = 70 - 79% (350 - 399 points)
D = 60 - 69% (300 - 349 points)
F= 59% and below (299 – 0 points)
Break Down of Points for This Course:
Writing Assignments 20% 100 points
(10 assignments – 10 pts. each)
Mid Term Exam 20% 100 points
Case Study - Oral and Written 20% 100 points
(Presentation 50 pts. & Paper 50 pts.)
Classroom Participation & Attendance 12% 60 points
Final Exam 28% 140 points
I will grade your assignments/papers/presentations/exams as quickly as possible. If there is ever any question or problem with your grade, let me know immediately so I can clear it up. Do not wait until the last week of class to inform me of a potential problem with your grade. I am happy to fix my errors, but will have far more time and patience in doing so when notified immediately of a concern.
Academic Honesty:
Cheating, plagiarism, bribery, misrepresentation, conspiracy, and fabrication are all defined in Rule 6Hx23-4.461, Student Affairs, Academic Honesty Guidelines, Classroom Behavior. In an academic program, as well as in the rest of society, this behavior will not be tolerated.
To put it plainly, this is an ethics course and cheating of any kind cannot be tolerated. Cheating, whether on exams, quizzes, presentations or papers, is an attempt to get a grade without learning. It violates the rights of your fellow students who do not cheat. Cheating defeats your purpose for being in school and hurts you in the long run. If a student is caught cheating or plagiarizing he/she will receive an "F" in the assignment, be reported to the administration upon the FIRST INFRACTION, and may receive an “F” for the course. Any other incident shall result in an "F" for the course, and what other punishment determined by the Provost.
Please review this site for the entire policy: http://www.spcollege.edu/academichonesty/
Assignments:
Submitting Assignments
Assignments, presentations and papers will be turned in to me on the dates they are due. Because of the nature of these assignments and papers, I will not accept any late work. If you do not have the work completed on the day and time it is due, you will receive a 0 for that assignment. Thus, your grade is dependant upon your attendance in class and turning your work in on time. All work should be submitted to me in person during our class meeting.
I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. Because sometimes things do impede our ability to come to class, I will accept up to two weekly writing assignments via e-mail, or if another student brings your assignment to class on your behalf. The assignments are still due no later than the beginning of class. I will accept no more than two during the semester turned in using this alternative method. If you e-mail the assignment to me, it MUST be e-mailed to me via my Angel account no later than the beginning of class on the day it is due.
For all other assignments, E-mailing assignments to me will not count as turning in an assignment. Additionally, you will be required to turn in some work via TURN IT IN, as well as to me in class.
All papers and presentations should be typed. The formatting of the assignments will be discussed when they are assigned. For the weekly writing assignments, you may either type or write out the answers. If you choose to write out these assignments, if I can’t read it, you will receive a 0.
Mid Term Exam:
This exam will consist of approximately 10 - 15 short answer/essay questions. The exam will be worth 100 points, and will make up 20% of your overall grade. The exam will cover those topics discussed in class, case studies and chapter reading assignments from the beginning of the semester through the mid term exam date. It is mandatory that you attend the time and day this exam is scheduled in order to take this exam.
Final Exam:
This exam will consist of approximately 12 – 20 short answer/essay questions. The exam will be worth 140 points, and will make up 28% of your overall grade. Approximately 80% of this exam will cover those topics discussed in class, case studies and chapter reading assignments from the mid term exam through the end of class. Approximately 20% of the exam will cover topics discussed in class, case studies and chapter reading assignments from the beginning of the semester through the mid term exam. It is mandatory that you attend the time and day this exam is scheduled in order to take this exam.
Weekly Writing Assignments:
At the end of the class, I will assign a writing assignment which will be due at the beginning of the next class meeting. There will be 10 of these assignments during the semester. Each will be worth 10 points. The writing assignments will worth a total of 100 points and will make up 20% of your overall grade. The writing assignment will consist of a topic that will be discussed during the next class meeting. It will require some reading and understanding of the next topic to be discussed. These assignments will be graded based upon the depth and accuracy of the information provided, as well as the format of the answer. These questions should help to prepare you for the essay/short answer format of both the Mid Term Exam and the Final Exam. Thus, being present for the discussion of these assignments will assist you in both understanding the material as well as prepare you for the format of the exams in this class.
Participation and Class Attendance:
In addition to the oral and written presentations, all students are expected to share actively in classroom discussions. The readings are assigned to compliment the instructor’s views and should provide stimuli for raising issues for generating insights from which all participants can benefit. Instructor will call on students for discussion questions from assigned readings. Failure to prepare for class will be noted and attendance points deducted should a pattern of not demonstrating knowledge of class readings become a recurring event.
Twelve percent (12%) of the course grade will be assigned on the basis of classroom discussion and attendance. (60 points) Reminder: Class attendance and participation is mandatory.
Students with four or more unauthorized absences will fail this course. Absence “waivers” will not be allowed for the exams or for the date assigned to present one’s case study presentation. You must be present on these days to receive the points.
As specifically stated above, students arriving late for class or leaving early are subject to being re-marked as “not in attendance”. Overall grades can be significantly impacted for tardiness, leaving early or missing class.
Case Study Evaluation/Presentation:
Each student will be expected to select a case study contained within the assigned text (Ethics in City Hall), for a 10- 15 minute classroom presentation. The case study and paper will make up 20% of your overall grade. (50 points for the Presentation and 50 points for the Paper)
Remember that these cases are from real world situations. There will be several ethical issues in each scenario. You are to identify the main ethical issue and work mainly on that overriding issue. You can discuss these other issues, as they are also pertinent to the case, but part of the assignment’s grade will be based upon your identification and discussion of the main ethical issue.
The guidelines for preparing the case study are attached. The guidelines should be followed in the order they are listed. From your case study, you will analyze the problems, develop potential strategies of solution and base your strategies on appropriate research, theory and best practices. Outside expert opinions from actual practitioners/professionals in your respective case study field of discipline is required.
Students will also be required to obtain “Business Cards” to present/use as a communication/relationship building tool during various types of professional meetings. Instructor will advise on type of business cards required.
A recommendation (oral and written), based on your analysis should focus on presenting the most feasible solution to the problem or situation. The focus should be to describe the situation/case study in such detail that another person would understand what you went through under those circumstances. You are describing the situation/case study so that you might analyze it, in depth, using the theories and approaches related to the course.
1. Provide details on who, what, where, why, when and how. Refer to case study guidelines listed below.
2. The case study should be from 6 to 10 (double-spaced) typewritten pages.
3. Papers are due no later than November 4, 2014.
Please note, that as mentioned previously, there are no late presentations, nor will late papers be accepted. Please manage your time appropriately. It is imperative that you finish this assignment and be prepared for your presentation in a timely manner.
Equal Opportunity: St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or marital status, or against any qualified individual with disabilities, in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this rule, the college shall not tolerate such conduct. Should you experience such behavior, please contact the Director of EA/EO by phone at (727)341-3257 and/or (727)341-3261, by mail at PO Box 13489, St. Petersburg FL 33733-3489, or email the EA/EO director at eaeo_director@spcollege.edu.
Sexual Predator Law: Federal and State law requires a person designated as a "sexual predator or offender" to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE then is required to notify the local law enforcement agency where the registrant resides, attends or is employed by an institution of higher learning. Information regarding sexual predators or offenders attending or employed by an institution of higher learning may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the particular campus, by calling the FDLE hotline (1-888-FL- PREDATOR) or (1-888-357-7332), or by visiting the FDLE website at www.fdle.state.fI.us/sexual predators. If there are questions or concerns regarding personal. safety, please contact the Provost, Associate Provost, Campus Security Officer or Site Administrator on your campus.
Documented Disability Information: If you wish to receive special accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please make an appointment with the Learning Specialist on this campus. If you have a documented hearing loss, please contact the Program for the Deaf at 791-2628 (V/TDD). If you will need assistance during an emergency classroom evacuation, it is imperative that you speak with your campus Learning Specialist immediately about arrangements for your safety. Clearwater: 791-2710, Health Education Center: 341- 3721, St. Petersburg/Gibbs: 341-4316, Tarpon Springs: 712-5789.
Emergency Procedures: In the event of a fire, fire drill, or any other emergency that would necessitate the evacuation of the classroom, you should exit the rear doors calmly and then proceed to a point at least 100 feet from any buildings.
In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant damage to St. Petersburg College facilities, you may be provided the opportunity to transfer your registration to another section of this course so that you may complete your course work online with a different SPC instructor. Following the event, please visit the college web site for an announcement of the College’s plan to resume operations.
Children on Campus: Other than in an emergency and/or when specifically approved by the campus provost, the provost's designee or a supervisor, employees and students shall not bring children to work or class other than for an occasional quick visit, to drop off a paper, pick up materials or other similar activities. In no case is a child to be left unattended on college premises.
Food/Drinks: It is college policy that food and drinks are not allowed in the classrooms.
Cell Phones, Beepers, and Related Devices: All electronic devices such as cell phones, beepers, pagers, and related devices are to be turned off prior to entering the classroom, library and laboratories to avoid disruption. Use of any device in these areas is a violation of College Policy and subject to disciplinary action.
Laptops: In the past I have attempted to allow laptops in the classroom. While I understand that some students like to use laptops to take notes, my experience over the last few semesters has been that students abuse this privilege. The laptops more often than not become a distraction. Thus, my policy is no laptop computers, electronic tablets, ipads, etc. are allowed in the classroom.
A Note Regarding Cell Phones: All cell phones must be off and put away. This is one thing for which I have no patience. If you have your phone out, I will ask you to put it up. If this behavior is repeated, or if you are using an electronic device, I will ask you to leave, and you will be counted absent. This is a college class, and I expect adult behavior. Not only is it distracting to me as an instructor, but your use of electronic devices for other purposes during class is extremely distracting to other students. Please be respectful of all others in the class. Thank you.
LIBRARY SERVICES
There are libraries at various SPC sites. You may choose the one that is most convenient for you. You also can access library services online at http://www.spcollege.edu/central/libonline/
SYLLABUS ADDENDUM
In the event topics listed in this addendum also appear in the syllabus, please note that you should rely on the addendum information as this information is the most current.
Please see the St. Petersburg College Syllabus Addendum for important college policies, procedures and information. That information can be found at:
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm
St. Petersburg College Important Dates:
Classes begin August 18
Last Day to drop and get refund August 22
Labor Day Observed – College Closed September 1
Mid-Term Exam October 7
College Day – No classes for students October 22
Last Day to withdraw with W October 23
Veterans Day – College closed November 11
Thanksgiving Break – College Closed November 26 - 30
Final Exam December 9
Last day to apply for December graduation December 11
Graduation December 13
Financial Aid: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/SSFA/HomePage/calendar.htm
***Please Note:
This syllabus and class schedule may be changed or amended at any time by the instructor. See below for the tentative class schedule.
***Please Also Note:
I have a requested a guest speaker come to our class on October 14th. This date has not yet been confirmed by this person. Thus, some chapters and assignments might be moved in order to accommodate our speaker’s schedule. I will update the class as soon as I have confirmed this date.
Class Schedule:
________________________________________________________________________________
August 19 Syllabus Overview
Intro. To Class and Discussion Topics
What is “Ethics”
Why think Ethically?
Overview of Organization of the Class
________________________________________________________________________________
August 26 Writing Assignment 1 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 1 – What is Important in Public Service?
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Assignment of Case Selections
Review of Case Study Framework
________________________________________________________________________________
September 2 Writing Assignment 2 Due at the Beginning of Class
Identifying Ethical Issues in the Public Arena
Elected Officials vs. Public Employees
Review of Case Study Presentations
________________________________________________________________________________
September 9 Writing Assignment 3 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 2 – Obeying and Implementing the Law
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 1
Chapter 3 – Trust Your Gut or Go with the Flow?
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
________________________________________________________________________________
September 16 Writing Assignment 4 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 3 – Serving the Public Interest
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 2
Chapter 19 – Because of Good Intergovernmental
Relations, Some Things Could Be Buried Quickly
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
_________________________________________________________________________________
September 23 Writing Assignment 5 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 4 – Taking Individual Responsibility
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 3
Chapter 17 – Betty to the Rescue
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
_________________________________________________________________________________
September 30 Writing Assignment 6 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 5 – Finding Solid Ground
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 4
Chapter 1 - The Great Society Gift Horse
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
Review for Mid Term Exam
_____________________________________________________________________________________
October 7 Mid Term Exam
_____________________________________________________________________________________
October 14 Guest Speaker
_____________________________________________________________________________________
October 21 Writing Assignment 7 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 6 – Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 5
Chapter 20 – The Rarest of the Rare
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
___________________________________________________________________________________
October 28 Independent Study Night
(Complete Class Papers)
__________________________________________________________________________________
November 4 Class Papers Due at the Beginning of Class
Writing Assignment 8 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 7 – Understanding Who and What Matters
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 6
Chapter 5 – To Tell the Truth
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
_____________________________________________________________________________________
November 11 No Class Tonight
Veteran’s Day
_____________________________________________________________________________________
November 18 Writing Assignment 9 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 8 – Designing and Implementing Codes
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 7
Chapter 18 – Not Following the Letter of the Law is
Best Sometimes
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
___________________________________________________________________________________
November 25 Writing Assignment 10 Due at the Beginning of Class
Chapter 10 – Building an Ethical Agency
(The Ethics Challenge in Public Service)
Presentation of Case Study 8
Chapter 10 – Boss, We’ve Got a Problem
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
____________________________________________________________________________________
December 2 Presentation of Case Study 9
Chapter 9 – Punishments to Fit Crimes, But Keep
It Quiet
(Ethics in City Hall)
Class Discussion of Case Study Presented
Review for Final Exam
___________________________________________________________________________________
December 9 Final Exam
_____________________________________________________________________________________
CASE STUDY GUIDELINES
The case study method is a form of stimulation aimed at providing students with an understanding of the complexities relating to specific problems faced on the job. A case study should contain a complete description of an issue including events, people, and other impacting factors. It represents a situation/concern to be analyzed and resolved. Case studies should allow students to:
· Ask (or ask themselves) questions that help extract key information from a case;
· Diagnose the case;
· Define all the different issues involved in the case;
· Make decisions and/or recommendations;
· Formulate principles for handling future cases.
In the field of public administration, the case study method is “an action plan” for resolving community issues. Trust in our public officials is imperative for our government to work. Ethical issues must be recognized and dealt with using great care and understanding of the far reaching and long term effects any decision can have. Analyzing past cases is a very effective way of preparing for these challenging situations.
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy.” - Norman Schwarzkopf
· Each case should focus on a single, main issue.
· A case must contain all the data necessary to arrive at a recommendation for resolution:
ü Facts and events that make it up;
ü Feelings, habits, attitudes, and expectations of the key stakeholders;
ü A clear description of the setting (time, place, and physical and social environment).
ü Often this issue will be presented as a question –
Is it right that…? Or is it ethical that….?;
ü Must illustrate one or several specific principles;
ü Will constitute the heart of the case study and thus influence all parts including how it is represented.
ü Case studies are stories; they teach what stories teach – which happens to be what administrators most need to learn.
ü Select facts and incidents that will be easily recognized and understood by participants.
ü Organize these in a logical sequence. Remove any inflated or exaggerated components that might diminish the authenticity of the case.
ü Use a writing style that is simple and direct – no long winded dissertations – one that speaks right to the reader.
ü Recount events or incidents in chronological order.
ü Clearly identify each stakeholder in terms of his/her position.
ü Whether the case study is short or long, present a clear, concise, and coherent portrait of the stakeholders, events, and information.
ü Occasionally include brief dialogues to create interest and allow readers to hear what the stakeholders in the case study have to say for themselves.
ü In the case introduction, present your key stakeholders and provide information that clearly identifies him/her/them. Establish the relationship between the stakeholders and the issue under study. Include the organizational context.
ü Occasionally use “flashbacks” to fill in gaps or heighten the sense of realism in the case. In certain case studies, you may have events overlap, occur simultaneously, or repeat themselves.
ü Identify any agendas or goals of the stakeholders – apparent or hidden.
ü Understand that public administration is politics – not the “obvious politics” of high stakes electioneering and policy making, but the “other politics” of small-scale, behind the scenes problems solving: the nature of administrative casework follows accordingly.
ü Keep your eye on the entire set of interacting decision-makers and interlocking policies: it’s there your most likely to find any lurking problems of under-determination.
ü It’s usually helpful to break out the goals being pursued, the variables that must be modified to move toward the goals, and the criteria to be borne in mind when pursuing the goals; it’s in those criteria that problems of over-determination are likely to originate.
ü Has this happened in the past?
ü Accurately recount what your expert had to say about this situation.
ü Are there any applicable laws, codes, regulations, internal policies or ethical codes of conduct to be considered?
ü Cases involve choices; in a democracy, choice demands justification, which further implies a process of dialogue and an effort at persuasion.
ü An effective administrative analyst must be ready to “speak in tongues”; expect to work in a variety of idioms and vocabularies.
ü In the concluding sentence or paragraph of the case study, point out the need for some form of action: a decision, a recommendation, a weighing of alternatives, or a combination of these. (i.e. Answer as best you can the question posed at the beginning as the main issue.)
ü End with a bridge of some sort that leads from your case study presentation to participant discussion
ü Most important of all: Trust your own experience and instincts!