Topics in Public Affairs: Legal Issues in Public Administration

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

The objective of this course is to create familiarity with the more salient legal aspects of managing local government in North Carolina. Within this framework, students will develop an understanding of: the legal principles underlying local government and administrative law in North Carolina; legal resources relating to local government law; the basics of the more pronounced service arenas related to local government; and the laws, statutes, and administrative regulations relevant to issues in local government. Course assignments are designed to develop students’ capacity to: write in a clear, concise, professional technical style; demonstrate familiarity with the primary legal considerations in the field; synthesize, integrate, and critically assess legal issues in public management; and improve their oral discussion and presentation skills.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Topic Briefs - Assignment #1-#4	30%
Summary paper	40%
Class participation	30%

Grading Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
93 to 100 percent	A
90 to 92.99 percent	A-
87 to 89.99 percent	B+
83 to 86.99 percent	B
80 to 82.99 percent	B-
77 to 79.99 percent	C+
73 to 76.99 percent	C
70 to 72.99 percent	C-
Less than 69.99 percent	F

Attendance/Participation:

Relevant and thoughtful class participation is expected on the part of each student, and it will usually be based on preparation of assignments and familiarity with the assigned readings.

Attendance is required and will be taken at the instructor's discretion. Excessive absences can result in a reduction of up to 25 percent in the final grade calculation at the end of the term.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.