Online B.S./B.A. in Politics, Policy and Public Administration: Curriculum

An overview of the historical foundations of our democratic system of government, appraisal of key political institutions and actors, with the intent of promoting informed and active citizenry by students.

This course will study the purposes and roles of public service organizations in a market-based economy and democratic society. Throughout the course, we will discuss our own values, different public service career options, pathways to promoting the public good, and engaging in civil civic discourses.

An examination of the primary issues confronting the international system, including the environment, nationalism, transition to democracy and human rights, along with attempts to regulate political, economic, social and military conflict.

An introduction to the basic concepts and techniques used in social science research, including social scientific inquiry and research design, quantitative data gathering and analysis and qualitative data gathering and analysis. Prerequisites: Math 095.

This course evaluates the structural factors, actors, political economy and primary policy challenges confronting state and local government in the United States. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. EOY Even.

An analysis of the political economy of the mass media, its role in the American electoral system, and the impact of new and emerging forces (Internet, e.g.) on democracy. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

This course introduces the public policy process in the context of American democracy. There are many forces at play working for and against policy change. Students in this class learn about rules and norms, system complexity, and the role of policy actors and institutions in modern democratic governance. Through this course, you will be evaluated on your ability to remember, understand, and apply concepts, themes, and arguments related to policymaking.

This course provides an understanding of budget preparation, adoption and execution; proposed reforms of the budget process; revenue strategies; and competing theories of the politics of budgeting. The course will be structured around a series of case studies and practical exercises.

Cumulative course to assess acheivement before finishing degree, complete with a research design and paper.  

An in-depth presentation of a topic of interest. Topics will vary from year to year depending on the interests and availability of faculty.

An examination of the brewing industry as a case study of the political and economic aspects of globalization, with a particular focus on Europe. An evaluation of the horizontal and vertical integration, along with political regulatory structures, of the global brewing industry. The offering of the course coincides with the Portland International Beer Festival, held every July in Portland, Oregon.

Prerequisites: Student must be at least 21 years of age to attend community event as part of weekend course work (attendance mandatory).

An examination of the political economy of the craft brewing industry in Oregon, with a particular focus on questions of taxation, bureaucratic regulation, government relations and economic development. The offering of the course coincides with the Oregon Brewer’s Festival, held every July in Portland, Oregon.

Prerequisites: Student must be at least 21 years of age to attend community event as part of weekend course work (attendance mandatory).

An examination of the historical basis, ethos, myths, and reality surrounding the American Dream, with a focus on immigration, the pursuit of wealth, fame, fortune, and home ownership as a road to achieving The Dream.

An evaluation of the primary sources of presidential power, including electoral politics, the presidency, media relations, along with an appraisal of the role of symbolic and political leadership in democratic societies. Every 4 years (offered 2024).

Prerequisites: Any lower division Political Science course. Students must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

The class aims to give students a feel for the hands-on work of community and regional planning, while providing conceptual understanding of the historical, political, legal, social, and environmental contexts that surround and affect the field, via case studies of a series of pressing planning issues- land use, economic development, sustainability. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

An examination of the organization and operation of personnel systems and the role of leadership in the public and non-profit sectors. Course explores the motivational and personnel programs required by the organization, along with the leadership strategies for effective human resources management. Students must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

An examination of some of the key concepts, arguments, controversies and theories within the field of law. Typical topics to be covered include the rule of law, the nature of legal reasoning, interpretation of legal texts, and the relationship between morality and law. Students must have junior standing to register for this course.

A survey of the principles of Constitutional Law, focusing on Federalism, Interstate Commerce and Separation of Powers. Evaluation of case management tools (standing, judicial review, political question) employed by the Supreme Court, along with an assessment of the judicial politics underlying constitutional development. Students must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

An appraisal of substantive due process and its impact on social issues (abortion, gender), along with an evaluation of the Supreme Court’s treatment of freedom of expression and the impact of the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause on our diverse ‘melting pot’ society. Students must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

An examination the constitutional basis for administrative regulation, and the legal relationship between administrative agencies and private individuals. The course evaluates the process of administrative agency rulemaking, enforcement and adjudication functions, statutory constraints on agency procedure and judicial oversight of agency action.

(Practicum) Designed to offer the student an opportunity to explore career areas and to extend the educational experience beyond the classroom. Students must have at least junior standing to register for this course.

Topics will vary, but may include theory, law, behavior and conflict regulation, and regional studies.

In this course, you will explore a variety of policy related topics such as the politics of policy making, interpreting and constructing policy ‘problems,’ examining policy alternatives, evaluating outcomes, communicating success and defining failure. Through engaging these topics, you walk out of this course with a more complete understanding of the life cycle of policy and a better understanding of the complexity and context sensitivity that characterizes the policy process. This course qualifies for advancement into the accelerated MPA program.