Aims

To address administrative science critically as a subject in social sciences.
To understand the role and operation of the administration as 'auxiliary' to political
power.
To analyse the nature of these relations with both political actors and civil society.
To examine current events with the help of concepts or theoretical approaches developed
during the course.

Main themes

Theoretical currents in administrative science.
Structures/models of organisation and of the distribution of tasks.
Systems of public sector work.
The politico administrative relationship (the government function and the administrative
function).
Administrative action: managerial thinking on the concept of public policy.
Controls over the administration.
The citizen confronted by the administration.
Administrative reform.

Content and teaching methods

Content
The course will consist of the following sections:
1. an introduction to an examination of public administration: theories and key concepts,
and the development of the administrative fact in time and space;
2. administrative structures: models of distributing tasks and coordination mechanisms;
3. the public sector: the main systems of public sector work, and the senior civil service
in its relationship with political power;
4. administrative action: the managerial cycle, and control mechanisms;
5. the relationship between the administration and citizens;
6. administrative modernisation.
Methodology
Lectures

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Oral examination with written preparation.
Syllabus published by the DUC; additional reading list.

Other credits in programs