R PAD 101 (= C EHC 101) Introduction to Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (3)
From hackers to hurricanes, suicide bombing to supply chain interruptions, infrastructure failures to infectious disease outbreaks, the nation's governments, companies and non-profits must prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from a growing array of risks and threats. The fields of emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity are central to those efforts, and there is an ever growing demand for individuals prepared in these areas. Through lectures, discussion, and case studies, students in this course will develop a broad theoretical, substantive, and practical understanding of the fields of emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity. Students will be exposed to various ways to think about, measure, assess and compare risks, as well as how to mitigate them and respond to incidents that do occur. The three disciplines will be explored through the crosscutting themes that tie them together, including prevention, incident management and response, crisis communication, recovery and resiliency. Only one of C EHC 101, R PAD 101, and T EHC 101 may be taken for credit.
R PAD 110 Introduction to Military Leadership I (1)
The course introduces students to fundamental components of service as an officer in the United States Army. These initial lessons are the building blocks of progressive lessons in values, fitness, leadership, and officership. Students will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership attributes and core leader competencies while gaining an understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages for the student. Prerequisite(s): not open to juniors and seniors without instructor approval. S/U graded.
R PAD 111 Introduction to Military Leadership II (1)
The course builds upon the fundamentals introduced in R PAD 110 by focusing on leadership theory and decision making. "Life skills" lessons in the semester include: problem solving, critical thinking, leadership theory, followership, group interaction, goal setting, and feedback mechanisms. Upon completion, students are prepared to advance to more complex leadership instruction concerning the dynamics of organizations. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 110 or permission of instructor. S/U graded.
R PAD 140 (= R POS 140; formerly R PUB 140) Introduction to Public Policy (3)
Introduction to theories of how democracies make public policy. Describes the roles of government institutions, the media, and interest groups in the policy process. Reviews current theories of how problems are identified and how policies are formulated, enacted, and implemented to address public problems. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R PAD 204/204X Introduction to Data Science for Public Policy and Management (3)
Making tough decisions — can computers help? Students will learn the role of information technologies and data science in policy analysis and management. Students will apply techniques in computer modeling for critical thinking, policy analysis, and decision support using spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel. Topics include data management and data visualizations using spreadsheets, tools for helping make tough decisions, a review of quantitative methods for strategic analysis, and a survey of formal modeling techniques.
R PAD 210 Foundations of Military Leadership I (1)
The course contains the principal leadership instruction of the Basic Course. The use of practical exercises is emphasized, as students are increasingly required to apply communications and leadership concepts. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of the leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and infantry squad tactics. Case studies will provide a tangible context for learning and understanding the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos. Upon completion of this semester, students are well grounded in the fundamental principles of leadership, and prepared to intensify the practical application of their studies during the Advanced Course. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 111 or permission of instructor. S/U graded.
R PAD 211 Foundations of Military Leadership II (1)
The course focuses principally on officership, providing an extensive examination of the unique purpose, roles, and obligations of commissioned officers. It includes a detailed look at the origin of the Army's institutional values and their practical application in decision making and leadership. Students examine the challenges of leading teams in a complex, combat operational environment. The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, infantry patrols, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army Leadership Requirements Model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. This course draws on the various components of values, communications, decision making, and leadership together to focus on a career as a commissioned officer. Upon completion of this course, students possess a fundamental understanding of both leadership and officership and demonstrate the ability to apply this understanding in real world situations. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 210 or permission of instructor. S/U graded.
R PAD 225 (= R POS 225) Inequality in New York City (3)
New York City is defined by extreme inequality, especially along lines of class, race, ethnicity, and gender. This course will examine the key drivers of these inequalities with special attention to the rise economic inequality, gentrification, policing, and mass incarceration. We will see how and why the New York City has become such an unequal place and consider how progressives have challenged inequality through movements such as Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter. Students will learn about the public policies that have promoted inequality and efforts to ameliorate inequality through examples including universal pre-K, housing policy, and resistance to Amazon.
R PAD 236 (= B FIN 236) Crises and Regulation in Financial Markets (3)
This course examines the public regulation of business, surveying the field in general but with special attention to regulatory controls in financial markets. Its subjects include the justifications and critiques of government regulation, ethical considerations in regulatory decisions, international dimensions of regulatory policy and management, and how political, legal, and technological processes shape regulation. Only one version may be taken for credit.
T PAD 236 Crises and Regulation in Financial Markets (3)
T PAD 236 is the Honors College version of R PAD 236; only one version may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.
R PAD 297 (= R POS 297) Thinking Ahead: Careers in Public Affairs (1-3)
What do you want to do when you graduate, and how do you get there? This course will help you answer these perennial questions. This class focuses on the experiential learning and professional development opportunities available to you at UAlbany and exposes you to careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The goal of the course is to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful and to connect those to the large array of paths and workplace options that may be available after graduation. May not be taken by students with credit for R POS 397 Topic Thinking Ahead: PoliSci/Pub Adm.
R PAD 300 (formerly R PUB 300) Public Administration and Policy (1)
For Honors students, R PAD credit used to designate an existing 300 level R PAD course as taken for honors credit and entailing an additional research and writing component to be determined by course instructor. Must be taken three separate occasions in at least three separate 300 level or above R PAD classes to meet Honors requirements. Prerequisite(s): must accompany enrollment in R PAD 300 level course.
R PAD 301 (formerly R PUB 301) The Philosophy of Public Policy (3)
Examination of the various theoretical approaches to the study of public policy and of the ethical, epistemological, ideological, and logical problems encountered in an examination of the claims of contemporary policy science. Prerequisite(s): R POS 101 and R POS/R PAD 140.
R PAD 302 Understanding Public Organizations (3)
The major objective of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to explore basic ideas about how people work in large (work) organizations, and the processes and structures that operate day to day in such organizations. The course examines how people act and interact within organizations and attempt to change those organizations, and how organizations react to the individuals who comprise the organization. The course uses multiple perspectives or frames as a way of understanding of individual and organizational behavior in work organizations.
R PAD 303 Public Administration and Management (3)
Introduction to the field of public administration as its theory and practice have developed in the United States, emphasizing current trends and problems of organization and management in such areas as personnel policy, budget making, policy research, and planning. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing.
R PAD 304 (= R POS 303) Public Policy in Theory and Practice (3-4)
Examines the theoretical foundations of public policy research, of alternative models of public policy formation, their methodologies, and the relationship between the theory and practice of the policy sciences. Inquiries into the practice of public policy; focuses on actual policies in a substantive area. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only. Prerequisite(s): R POS 101 or R POS/R PAD 140, or junior or senior standing.
R PAD 305 Public Administration and Information Technologies (3)
Technology is an incredible tool but its potential to change and improve depends on humans' decisions and behaviors. The most successful technological projects are led by strategic thinkers and decision-makers, who understand the public environment and who have the ability to, as Steve Jobs used to say, connect the dots. Although many of us likely hold the belief that public organizations cannot or should not innovate, governments have been very successful in designing and implementing technology, showing that the use of technology in government can indeed make a difference in people's lives. In this course, students will learn to strategically think about information technology in public administration, by developing the necessary skills to make wise decisions about it. They will learn to identify and promote the combination of factors that will lead to successful information technology projects as well as to anticipate its desirable effects. The purpose of the course is, therefore, for students to become active participants in recognizing and critiquing the potential of information technology in public organizations and to make their own decisions to address challenges and guarantee success.
R PAD 307 Professional Applications for Public Administration and Policy (3)
Course emphasizes the early development of professional skills, the ability to work in teams, career planning, and an awareness of trade-offs in modern administration. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 204.
R PAD 310 Managing Technology-Driven Change (3)
Nowadays, digital government and electronic public services are priorities at any level of government, any public organization, and any country worldwide, but this kind of projects transforms public organizations. Technology adoption produces important changes that need to be well managed in order to achieve a successful implementation. Public policy goals and programmatic approaches will change over time, but information technology (IT) will forever be an integral part of any solution. This course will focus on the key elements of an IT innovation and change management strategy necessary to effectively implement and execute an IT innovation in the public sector. The course will draw on experiences from public sector IT innovations across the globe. At times IT innovations are driven out of necessity and at other times by the desire to do more with less. This course will examine IT innovation as a tool to improve the lives of those in need and those driven by limited resources. The course will examine the different roles of individuals in an organization on the change process and the impact this has on business processes used day-to day to achieve broader policy goals.
R PAD 312 Motivating Public and Nonprofit Sector Workers (3)
Why do some people work harder than others? Why are public and nonprofit employees seemingly willing to forego higher levels of pay and compensation in exchange for their limited time and energy? And what is it about public and nonprofit organizations that appears to attract and motivate workers? In this cross-disciplinary course, students will explore a diverse body of concepts on work motivation and achievement (from the fields of public administration, psychology, business administration, economics, and sociology) to begin answering these questions. The course is structured to support three overarching goals: 1) to expose students to several major theories of work motivation, 2) to examine how work motivation unfolds in complex organizational settings, and 3) to investigate how organizations can be designed to maximize employee motivation. Sample topics include cognitive, needs-based, and reinforcement theories of motivation as well as public sector and public service motivation.
R PAD 316 (= R POS 316; formerly R PUB 316) Methodological Tools for Public Policy (3)
Introduction to research design, statistics, and computer usage in public policy with an emphasis on the interpretation of results. Students examine experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental research designs, summarize and present univariate distributions, perform bivariate and multivariate analyses including simple cross-tabulations and multiple regression analysis, and learn to use a computer to perform statistical and data management operations. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R PAD 321 (= R POS 321) State and Local Government (3-4)
Course focus is on intergovernmental relations; the interdependent roles of governors, legislatures, and courts in policymaking and implementation; the organization, functions, and jurisdiction of local governments; interaction of political parties and interest groups with formal institutions and processes; and problems in selected functional areas. Emphasis will be placed upon socio-economic trends leading to change in state and local governments, consequent issues raised, and proposals made in response to such issues. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 322 (= R POS 322; formerly R PUB 322) Government & Politics of New York City (3-4)
Introduction to New York City's major political and governmental institutions, with an emphasis on the recurring efforts to provide for borough and community input into the city's policy making and implementation processes and to increase inter- and intra-party competition. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 324 Introduction to System Dynamics (3)
System Dynamics applies computer simulation to the study of feedback-rich systems in the social, behavioral, environmental, and management sciences. This course teaches the basic principles of system dynamics with a hands-on approach involving frequent problem sets and case studies. Students will learn the basic principles governing systems modeling as well as how to create computer-based simulation models. Prerequisites(s): R PAD 204.
R PAD 325 (= R POS 325; formerly R PUB 325) The Government and Politics of New York State (3-4)
Introduction to the major political governmental institutions in New York. Examines the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; the nature of parties and election, and of selected policy questions. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 328 (= R POS 328; formerly R PUB 328) Law and Policy (3-4)
Examination of the role of the of the courts in the public policy process and in substantive policy fields; integrates the literature of law and policy and applies it to such areas as mental health care, corrections, human resources, education, and housing policy. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 329/329Z (= R POS 329/329Z) Administrative Leadership (3)
This class examines leadership, management and human behavior within and among complex organizations, with special emphasis on the distribution and use of power by organizational actors. The course will also examine how leaders can position their organizations to gain the greatest results and most significant impact on and for organizational stakeholders. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R PAD 335 Private Philanthropy, Public Problems, and Power (3)
In 2019, Americans gave $449.64 billion to charity. This is a lot of money! Yet, many students know little about charitable giving, often called private philanthropy, its attempt to solve public problems and the increasing power it yields in the U.S. and globally. Private philanthropy and the nonprofit organizations it often funds, play a growing role in public life. The purpose of this course is to examine private philanthropy in 21st century public problem solving--both its wins and its limitations. Philanthropists fund causes ranging from public health initiatives in Africa and community arts projects in New York City to international campaigns for LGBTQ rights and U.S.-based welfare reform. We will scrutinize the issues of power that emerge in private philanthropic giving and its social change objectives. The course analyzes the implications of philanthropy on U.S. and global communities by addressing questions that include: What motivates people to give philanthropically? What do specific types of private philanthropy mean for democracy, collective action and pluralism? What public problems are on the minds of philanthropists? Additionally, this course introduces undergraduate students to philanthropy through an experimental learning exercise. We have several thousand dollars of REAL money to give to a local nonprofit organization. Students enrolled in the course will come up with a process, create giving criteria and through evaluation will reach a collective decision about nonprofit organizations they wish to support and fund.
R PAD 337 Human Behavior and Human Resource Management (3)
What makes a good manager or employee? How are employees hired and supervised in U.S. and abroad? Human resource management can be defined as an organization's use of human capital through the management of people-related activities. In this course, students will learn about the basic principles and techniques of human resource management by covering areas such as recruitment, training, leadership, motivation, diversity, performance management, and compensation done at domestic and international levels. The following are examples of questions that will be discussed: (1) How can managers motivate employees? (2) How is a changing workforce affecting the ways that employees are selected, trained, and promoted? (3) What are some differences between domestic and international human resource management? Students will apply the principles and techniques covered in this course to the discussion of empirical studies that use statistical methods to examine personnel issues. R PAD 316, A MAT 108, or similar preparation prior to taking this course is recommended.
R PAD 340 (= R POS 340; formerly R PUB 340) Introduction to Policy Analysis (3)
Policy analysis involves advising policy makers about political, technical, and implementation feasibility of their options. This course will introduce students to different roles played by analysts, techniques of analysis, and to the range of generic policy implements. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R PAD/R POS 140, R PAD/R POS 316, A ECO 110. May substitute R PAD 316 with an alternate introductory statistics course. May waive R PAD 140 with permission of the instructor.
R PAD 341 (= R POS 341 & C EHC 341; formerly R PUB 341) Washington in Perspective (3-4)
This course uses different policy areas to examine the institutional structures, key non-state actors, and domestic and international context of American government. Course faculty will take advantage of the course location in the nation's capital and include field trips and guest speakers. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only. Corequisite(s): R POS 342 or permission of instructor.
R PAD 342 (= R POS 342 & C EHC 342) Washington Internship (9)
This is the internship component of the spring Washington Semester program. Admission by application. Enrollment limited. Preference to R POS Honors students. For information and applications, see Department of Political Science office or website. Deadlines and interviews in the early fall. Does not count toward a Public Policy and Management major or minor. Only one version of R PAD/R POS 342 and C EHC 342 may be taken for credit. Corequisite(s): R POS 341 or permission of instructor. S/U graded.
R PAD 343 (= R POS 343 & C EHC 343) Homeland Security (3)
This undergraduate survey course introduces students to the U.S. government response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, specifically, the second largest reorganization of the executive branch that produced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Topics examined include border and transportation security, customs, immigration policy and enforcement; preparedness and capabilities building, response and resilience; critical infrastructure protection; threat and vulnerability assessment and risk management; cybersecurity; counter-terrorism. Although the course is primarily focused on U.S. Federal government activities, it will also examine state and local dimensions of homeland security as well as U.S. government interactions with other countries in the homeland security domain. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): C EHC/R PAD 101 or permission of instructor.
R PAD 344 (= C EHC 344) Emergency Preparedness (3)
This course provides a study of applicable policies, protocols, and laws that impact the practice of emergency preparedness at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The study includes a brief review of the history of emergency management setting the stage for an examination of "best practices" and philosophies. These drive the nation's preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts of various levels of emergencies and disasters which in turn helps facilitate a community's resilience in the face of disasters. The methodology used in this course includes classroom discussions and activities, studies of applicable case studies, and individual exploration resulting in a well crated paper. Where applicable, simulation activities provide opportunities for the student to "experience" realistic situations similar to real-world emergencies and disaster operations. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): C EHC/R PAD 101 or permission of instructor.
R PAD 345 Psychological Economics and Policy (3)
Economic analyses are usually rooted in assumptions of perfect rationality, perfect selfishness, and perfect self-control. Real human beings do not meet these assumptions. How do real people respond to economic policies? How can traditional analyses be adapted to incorporate social and cognitive psychology? In the past few decades, economists in the fields of Behavioral Economics and Experimental Economics have explored how to draw on the methods and insights of psychologists, model psychological behavior within markets, and test psychological hypotheses using data from the field. That work has become increasingly relevant in policy circles. This class surveys the theories, methods, and evidence of these fields and discusses their relevance for designing and implementing public programs. Prerequisite(s): A ECO 110, A ECO 111, and a 300-level statistics course such as R PAD 316 or A ECO 320.
R PAD 350 (= R POS 350; formerly R PUB 350) Comparative Public Policy (3-4)
Comparison of the processes, content, and impact of public policy in both developed and underdeveloped, socialist and nonsocialist countries. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only. Prerequisite(s): R POS 101 or 140, or junior or senior standing.
R PAD 355 Introduction to Public Budgeting and Financial Management (3)
Public budgets determine the level of funding for government activities. But how are they made and who gets to decide how to distribute our resources? Can mayors, governors or presidents change the budgets, as they often promise in electoral campaigns? This course will help you understand the budget process, who the main actors are, major public spending categories as well as different revenue sources used to fund local, state and federal governments. Through class discussions and exercises you will also learn to use various practical financial management tools including revenue forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, discounting, and compounding. Government financial statements are also covered so you should not only be able to make more financially sound decisions, but also become better consumers of government financial information. The course is recommended to anyone interested in expanding their understanding of public budgeting and financial management for personal or professional purposes regardless of their background.
R PAD 360 Schools and Social Inequality (3)
The neighborhoods where we grow up, and the schools we attend, have lasting impacts on our lives. And yet the opportunities made available through schools are not evenly distributed across children and youth in the U.S. This course will use concepts from economics and sociology to examine the links between public education systems and social inequality by race, class, geography, disability, and other classifications. It will cover topics such as: residential segregation, school finance, school choice, test-based accountability, teacher quality, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Students will work directly with data to analyze patterns and trends in educational inequality, and to assess potential policy solutions. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 316.
R PAD 364 (= R POS 366) Approaches to Development (3-4)
Leaders and citizens of low and moderate income countries have long worked to increase economic, social and political development. After reviewing the origin and evolution of these concepts, the class will focus on how national leaders, international institutions as the World Bank, and nongovernmental organizations have pursued development. The class will address the steps that can be taken to address persistent problems of global poverty, public health, deficits in democracy, and widespread armed conflict. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach that will blend insights from the disciplines of economics, political science, and anthropology in order to generate fresh thinking on important policy issues facing governments in developing and developed countries. Aside from readings, and class discussions, groups of students will work together to address important issues in policy memos that will be presented to the class. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 366 International Environmental Policy (3)
The class investigates how environmental consciousness arose in major industrial countries and the subsequent formation of environmental policies and institutions in China and India. After reviewing US experience, the class considers critical dilemmas including climate change, water scarcity and renewable energy. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.
R PAD 370 Environmental Policy, Citizen Action, and Equity (3)
This course introduces students to the institutions of environmental policy making and various forms of action that citizens and organized groups have deployed to influence those institutions to generate positive environmental outcomes, including environmental protection as well as redress for environmental racism and other environmental injustices. While the focus of the course will be on environmental policy making institutions and action in the United States, it will also examine some variation in environmental institutions across countries as well as global institutions (such as the Inter-government Panel on Climate Change) and citizen action within these institutions. Students will learn about various environmental problems and challenges that societies currently face, and will leave the class with hope that there are many actions citizens can take to address environmental challenges, from the local to the global level.
R PAD 372 (= R POS 372) The Welfare State (3-4)
From the 1960s, governments in developed countries progressively widened the scope of their involvement in the life of citizens. The state assumed responsibility for the welfare of people not only through public pensions, health care, education, unemployment benefits and the like, but also through interventions in the economy to smooth out business cycles, stimulate growth and mitigate unemployment. By the 1980s, the tide turned and many countries attempted to retreat from the path of the ever-growing welfare state. The order of the day became retrenchment, privatization and market principles. The first half of this course studies the processes and extension and retrenchment, with special attention to cross-national differences within the general patterns. It seeks to explain the driving forces behind the expansion of the welfare state from the 1960s and the differential success of countries in reversing that trend since the 1980s. The second half of the course focuses more closely on the American welfare state, discussing the role that issues like poverty, race and private provision played in the development of the unique features of American welfare arrangements. Four-credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 380 Applied Military Leadership I (2)
In this course students will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, Officership, Army Values and ethics, personal development, and small unit tactics at the team and squad level. At the conclusion of this course, students will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom PE, a Leadership Lab, or during a Situational Training Exercise (STX) in a field environment. Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) during the summer following the junior year, at Fort Knox, KY. This course includes reading assignments, homework assignments, small group assignments, briefings, case studies, and practical exercises, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. Students will receive systematic and specific feedback on leader attributes values and core leader competencies from instructor and other ROTC cadre and MSL IV Cadets who will evaluate students using the ROTC Leader Development Program (LDP) model. The course closes with instruction in small unit battle drills to facilitate practical application and further leader development during labs and Situational Training Exercises (STX). Prerequisite(s): R PAD 211, or permission of instructor.
R PAD 381 Applied Military Leadership II (2)
The course continues to focus on doctrinal leadership and tactical operations at the small unit level. It includes opportunities to plan and conduct individual and collective skill training for military operations to gain leadership and tactical experience. The course synthesizes the various components of training, leadership and team building. Students are required to incorporate previous military science instruction for their practical application in a performance-oriented environment. Upon completion of the course, students possess the fundamental confidence and competence of leadership in a small unit setting and are prepared to attend the Leadership Development and Assessment Course. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 380.
R PAD 385 (= R CRJ 385) Policy Reform in the Criminal Justice System (3)
This course applies the tools of policy analysis to the topic of reform within the criminal justice system. The class covers all aspects of the criminal justice system - police, courts, and corrections - as well as the interplay between the rule of law and the actions of people in society. The class covers major theories of crimes and discusses current topics like the legalization of marijuana and attempts to reduce racial disparities within prisons.
R PAD 390 (= R POS 390; formerly R PUB 390) Internship: Political Science/Public Administration & Policy (3)
Students will actively participate in the political process through working in a staff position at a recognized political agency, organization or institution to test - in a nonacademic setting - the concepts and theories examined in the classroom. Internships are open only to qualified juniors and seniors. Only one version may be taken for credit. May not be taken by students with credit for R PAD 498. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. S/U graded.
R PAD 395 (= R POS 395; formerly R PUB 395) International Political Economy (3-4)
Examines world trade conflicts and impact of economic nationalism on global economy. Emphasizes U.S. policy formulation in recent decades and trade protection and economic nationalism as exercised in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 396 (= R POS 396; formerly R PUB 396) Energy Policy, Domestic and International (3-4)
Analyzes present and future shortfall of energy supplies, availability of fuel sources to replace imported oil or U.S. energy production, and conflicts between OPEC, OECD consumers, and U.S. government. Projections of future conflict over energy controls within and between nation states. Only one version may be taken for credit. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only. Prerequisite(s): R POS 101 or R POS 140, or junior or senior standing.
R PAD 397 (= R POS 397) Experiential and Service Learning in Political Science and Public Policy (0-3)
This course provides academic structure and oversight to service-learning and community engagement components available as options in other Political Science & Public Policy offerings. May be repeated if topics differ. Up to three credits may apply for majors of Political Science and Public Policy & Management.
R PAD 398 (= R POS 398; formerly R PUB 398) Comparative National Security Policy (3)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major theoretical explanations for the foundation and implementation of national security policy. The course will focus of two central questions. First, what determines the basic security strategy of different states? Second, once this strategy is mapped, how do different states translate strategy into particular security policies? A variety of historical and contemporary cases will be used to determine which theories best answer these questions. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R PAD 399 (= R POS 399; formerly R PUB 399) Selected Topics (3-4)
Investigation of selected topics in political science and/or public policy. Specific topics selected and announced by the instructor when offered. May be repeated for credit if content varies. Four credit sections for Honors Program students only.
R PAD 410Z (= R POS 410Z; formerly R PUB 410Z) Minorities and the Politico-Legal System (3)
Selected minority problems that appear in connection with the politico-legal system. Considers legislative, administrative and judicial responses and explores alternative public policy options. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor. Only one version of may be taken for credit.
R PAD 411 Special Topics in Public Administration: Program Evaluation Training (1)
This class will introduce participants to the concepts that are essential to evaluation. Topics discussed will include: program measures (methods, management, characteristics, etc.), participant measures, intervening measures (changes in economy, management, demographics, etc.), impact measures, different viewpoints of evaluation (program participants, program staff, policy makers, etc.), and measurement levels (individual vs. agency vs. society). This course is the shared resources equivalent of the graduate course R PAD 511. S/U graded.
R PAD 424 Systems Thinking and Strategic Development (4)
The course represents a set of concepts and tools for thinking through complex system-wide problems that challenge government managers' ability to design and manage cross-agency and intergovernmental policies and programs. Students will learn to diagnose and solve complex system-level problems by applying systems thinking and strategic planning tools to case examples. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.
R PAD 435 (= B FIN 435) Law in Financial Market Regulation (3)
This course examines the rationales and main features of regulatory law in financial markets, focusing on banking, securities, futures, options, and other capital markets. It discusses approaches to regulating investor and customer protection, financial institutions, and market structure. It examines relationships among change in financial markets such as financial innovations and regulatory structure and practice. The course discusses the roles of federal and state regulation, self-regulatory organizations and private associations, and firms within the regulatory system. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): declared School of Business majors. Prior coursework in study of regulation and/or finance highly recommended.
R PAD 436 (= B FIN 439) Financial Technology and Regulation (3)
Disruptive financial technology is a fast-moving global phenomenon. This course provides an overview of various financial technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence. We explain how blockchain and artificial intelligence work and are used in financial businesses. We evaluate the transformative effects of financial technologies on a variety of businesses, including cryptos, insurance, marketplace lending, crowdfunding, and personal banking. We also discuss the balance between regulation and innovation. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): declared School of Business majors; B FIN 236, B FIN 300, and B FIN 301.
R PAD 437 Broker-Dealer Accounting, Regulation, and Auditing (3)
This course is designed to enable students to understand the theory and practice of broker-dealer regulation and regulatory auditing in the securities industry. Nomenclature used in the securities industry is unique and the course examines accounting standards that apply to securities firms. It teaches students how to read financial statements of broker-dealers and understand stock brokerage accounting. The course also will help students understand how to audit the validity of the numbers included in broker-dealer financial reports, focusing primarily on the income statement and balance sheet and including the verification of customer assets. Prerequisite(s): B ACC 211.
R PAD 438 (formerly R PAD 354) U.S. Health Reform at the Crossroads (3)
U.S. health policy is experiencing one of the most unstable periods of any major policy issue in American history, having just undergone one major revision and now facing the immediate prospect of a complete change in direction. This course will have two major parts: (i) exploring the Affordable Care Act's main elements, political history, economic rationales, and major impacts and (ii) examining current policy, to the extent that clear policy initiatives have emerged or been passed. A significant portion of the course will be spent on the Affordable Care Act; how much time is spent on more recent policy changes will depend on the clarity and detail of those changes. The professor will update the course as events unfold, even over the course of the term. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 316 or an equivalent course in statistics.
R PAD 441 Managing Diversity and Inclusion in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
In public and nonprofit organizations, people are constantly interacting with peers, managers, and stakeholders with different backgrounds and experiences. It is important to leverage this diversity to achieve the mission of the organization and ensure equity and fairness in the workplace. This course covers the concept of diversity, theoretical perspectives on diversity and inclusion, the benefits and challenges associated with diversity, and how to manage those differences to build the inclusive workplace and advance organizational performance. Cases and exercises will focus on practical applications of concepts, theories, and frameworks covered. Students who receive credit for R PAD 441 cannot receive credit for R PAD 541.
R PAD 445 (= C EHC 445 & C YBR 445) Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity (3)
This course provides a broad introduction to cybersecurity and the way in which cybersecurity is viewed, studied, or executed by professionals in industry, government, the military, and academia. For students that approach the topic from a policy management perspective, this class will enhance their understanding of the interaction between social, technical, policy, and management factors that affect the creation and management of secure cyber infrastructure. A brief introduction to the technical side of cybersecurity will be provided. The course will offer technically advanced students an opportunity to better understand management, policy, and political equities involved in cybersecurity. Students approaching the subject from either the technical or policy/management perspective will be equipped to take more advanced technical courses in a multitude of disciplines that make up cybersecurity. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
R PAD 449 (= C EHC 449 & C YBR 449) Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Management (3)
The goal of this course is to equip decision makers with the principles and methods that will allow for more informed budget decisions as it relates to cybersecurity. First this class will review budgeting basics as well as the core of budgeting for information technology and cybersecurity. Then the class will examine risk management as a total program component of cybersecurity as well as apply it to the budgeting process. Finally the class will take a comprehensive approach to managing IT/IS projects from a risk management, budgeting, and procurement point of view. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
R PAD 450 Strategic Management of Information Technology (3)
Do you know how emergent technologies and data are shaping government organizations and how government organizations can strategically use technology and data to improve policies and programs? This course focuses on the ways that strategic information and technology management affect government functions, democratic processes, and public programs in the digital era. It introduces students to the interaction of policy, management, data, and technology in the design, operation, and evaluation of government programs, citizen engagement, and public services in multiple contexts and policy domains. Case studies illustrate sophisticated information systems and technology strategies at work in single organizations and in different kinds of inter-organizational settings.
R PAD 453 Public Health Politics and Policy: Global and Domestic Perspectives (3)
From measles outbreaks and Ebola quarantines to texting while driving, public health policy permeates daily lives and is prominent in the news media. This course explores how policy is used as a tool to further public health goals and examines how political processes shape health policy and health outcomes both domestically and globally. The course is designed to introduce students of policy and politics to concepts and debates specific to the field of public health. Likewise, the course will introduce public health students to public policy concepts and approaches. The course will draw on readings and examples both from high-income and low- and middle-income countries and will explore similarities as well as differences in theories of the policy process pertaining to each.
R PAD 455 (= C EHC 455) Disaster, Crisis and Emergency Management and Policy (3)
The course studies the policies, statutes and priorities established by federal, state, and local governments to plan and prepare for emergencies, disasters, and catastrophic events caused by nature, technology, or humans. The course's scope will include all mission areas established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and prioritized by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services as an example of state policies. The course will rely heavily upon primary source documents, and will involve simulations. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
R PAD 456 (= C EHC 456) Homeland Security Intelligence (3)
This course examines homeland security intelligence at the Federal, State, and local levels. It begins with an overview of the U.S. foreign intelligence community, its mission, history, structure, and capabilities. The course will examine how this community's composition and structure have changed as its mission was fundamentally altered twice, first with the end of the Cold War and then with the rise of terrorism. Next, it looks at the capabilities of new producers of terrorism related intelligence at federal law enforcement agencies and at the Department of Homeland Security. The main thrust of the course is intelligence at the state and local levels. The federal government has worked with the states to create significant intelligence capabilities outside the beltway since the events of 9/11/2001. This course identifies and discusses the state and local customers for homeland security intelligence and examines the degree to which these intelligence requirements are being met. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
R PAD 457 (= C EHC 457) Intelligence Analysis for Homeland Security (3)
This course provides instruction in conducting intelligence analysis, with emphasis on homeland security issues at the state and local levels. After an overview of the history and structure of the U.S. foreign intelligence community, the class will review the fundamentals of intelligence analysis tradecraft as practiced within the CIA and other federal intelligence agencies. Extensive time is devoted to learning and using structured analytic techniques through student-led analytic exercises on terrorism and major crimes. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
R PAD 469 (= C EHC 469 & C YBR 469) Cyber Threats and Intelligence (3)
Cyber threats currently are posed by state and non-state actors whose motivations include financial gain, notoriety, social activism, espionage, and even revenge. This course will examine cyber threats from different angles to introduce students to today's actors; motivations; tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); and mitigation techniques, while providing insight into the impact of cyber crimes on victim organizations and employees. A variety of case studies will used to study how TTPs are applied, and aid students in understanding attack consequences, responding agency abilities, and the various protection, mitigation, and remediation measures. The course will also examine models of cyber activity, as well as how models from other fields can be applied to thinking about cyber threats. The objective of the course is to provide students with a foundation for leading their organization in prevention, mitigation, and remediation of cyber-attacks. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.
R PAD 470 Comparative Digital Government (3)
There has always been a connection between technology and context. From the first use of stone tools to the development of smartphones, technology has influenced context just as much as context has sparked advancements in technology. Digital government, widely conceptualized as the use of information technology in government, is not an exception. In this course, we will learn to think globally about information technology in public organizations, by developing comparative skills to make wise decisions about it. We will learn to understand the contextual and cultural differences in the conceptualization of digital government but, also, in the planning and implementation processes of digital government projects around the world and to analyze their similarities and differences.
R PAD 472 (= C EHC 472) Disasters and Crisis Management in the Public, Private and Nonprofit Sectors (3)
This course will examine how disaster and crisis management has evolved over time in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. It will begin by identifying key issues and challenges facing emergency managers and other crisis management professionals. Then the course will systematically examine the similarities and differences across the various sectors and analyze contemporary trends and common challenges, to include risk management, crisis communication and crisis leadership. Through the use of conceptual models and real-world case studies, the application of theory and practice within the field will be further explored. The course will examine specific events, how organizations responded to those events, and how those events changed and shaped the organizations, and the discipline itself. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
R PAD 475 Understanding Energy Policy and Climate Change (3)
The study of energy policy and climate change reflects an intricate interplay of political (domestic and international), economic, legal, regulatory, technological, environmental and ethical dimensions. This course will explore these dimensions encouraging class discussion of critical energy policy issues and the analysis of approaches to a clean, secure and equitable energy future.
R PAD 480 Adaptive Military Leadership I (2)
The course concentrates on leadership, management and ethics. The course focuses students, early in the year, on attaining knowledge and proficiency in several critical areas they will need to operate effectively as Army officers. These areas include: Coordinate Activities with Staffs, Counseling Theory and Practice within the "Army Context," Training Management, and Ethics. While proficiency attained in each of these areas will initially be at the apprentice level, students will continue to sharpen these skills as they perform their roles as Cadet Officers within the ROTC program and after commissioning. At the end of the course, students possess the fundamental skills, attributes, and abilities to operate as competent leaders. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 381.
R PAD 481 Adaptive Military Leadership II (2)
The course focuses on completing the transition from Cadet to lieutenant. As a follow-on to the Ethics instruction in R PAD 480, the course starts with a foundation in the legal aspects of decision making and leadership. The curriculum reinforces previous instruction on the organization of the Army and introduces how the Army organizes for operations from the tactical to the strategic level. This is followed by instruction on administrative and logistical management that will focus on the fundamentals of Soldier and unit level support. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared for the responsibility of being a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 480.
R PAD 488 (= R POS 488) The Science and Art of Political Campaigns (3)
If 2016 taught us anything it's that political campaigns can't be run on science alone. There is an art to running a campaign and to being a candidate. There's also a great deal of technology (science) that goes into campaigns as well. The course will be a hands-on, real life/real time course on managing campaigns, candidates and credibility. From campaign planning to message development to field operations to cutting-edge technology to Get Out the Vote, this course will cover how to run a campaign and what a candidate can expect. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R PAD 490Z (= R POS 495Z; formerly R PUB 490Z) Research and Writing in Washington (3)
This is the research and writing component of the department's spring Semester in Washington program. Admission by application. Enrollment limited. For information and applications, see Rockefeller College's website. Only one version may be taken for credit. Corequisite(s): R POS 341 and 342 or permission of instructor.
R PAD 494 (formerly R PUB 494) Honors Research (3)
To be taken in the fall of the senior year or the spring of the junior year. Student will engage in guided research mentored by a faculty member designated by student and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Public Policy Program in order to generate the research necessary to complete their honors thesis. Prerequisite(s): PAD Honors standing.
R PAD 495 (formerly R PUB 495) Honors Seminar (3)
To be taken in the fall of the senior year or the spring of the junior year. A seminar designed to explain the nature of research, including developing a thesis, applying a research design, and collecting data to support hypotheses. The seminar develops these skills while highlighting the dominant intellectual arguments occurring currently in the area of public policy research. Prerequisite(s): PAD Honors standing.
R PAD 496 (formerly R PUB 496) Honors Thesis (3)
To be taken in the fall or spring of the senior year. Each student must complete a 30 to 40 page honors thesis. This paper should involve original research on a topic related to public policy. It should have a clearly defined thesis statement, a review of the existing literature on the chosen topic, original evidence offered to support the thesis, consideration of alternative rival hypothesis, and a conclusion of the consequence for public policy research of these findings. The paper is to be created in conjunction with a faculty mentor approved by the Director of Public Policy (and the paper may be co-authored with the chosen faculty mentor). Prerequisite(s): PAD Honors standing.
R PAD 497 (formerly R PUB 497) Independent Study (1-6)
Reading or research under the direction of appropriate faculty. Prerequisite(s): R PAD/R POS 140, or junior or senior standing; and permission of instructor and department chair.
R PAD 498 Applied Public Affairs Capstone (1-6)
This capstone course includes the completion of an internship and a linked classroom experience. This internship course integrates the policy and management coursework with practical experience in political and administrative institutions. Students are required to undertake an internship in public policy or public management, typically with a state agency or a non-profit organization. In the course, students will learn practical issues of implementing policy or managing public affairs. They will use written assignments and oral presentations to discuss how their coursework relates to their internship experience. May not be taken by students with credit for R PAD/R POS 390. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 140, R PAD 316, A ECO 110, R POS 101, R PAD 302, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
R PAD 499 (formerly R PUB 499) Policy Capstone (3)
This course builds on the analytical tools and theoretical concepts developed in the Public Policy and Management core to explore the field of policy analysis, rationales for policy intervention, and a range of policy tools. Students will learn how to locate and apply external information sources, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing policy analyses, develop a plan to study a new policy issue, and effectively communicate these complex ideas in writing. May not be taken by students with credit for R POS/R PAD 340. Prerequisite(s): R PAD 140, R PAD 316, A ECO 110, A ECO 111.