PUBPOL 5455

Comparative Public Administration

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

The purpose of this seminar is to provide graduate students with an introduction to the scholarly development of comparative public administration, as well as criteria for comparison in public leadership, accountability/transparency, political participation, and the interaction of culture, politics, and public management. Students are expected to comply with all university, school, and program policies related to both local and international travel.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: Master of Public Administration (MPA) students.

Fees Field trip, $1500. This covers double occupancy accommodations in San Jose (single occupancy is available for an additional cost), in-country transportation, programming, and some meals. Students are responsible for airfare, which will vary depending on departure location.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2024FA, 2023FA, 2022FA

Learning Outcomes

• Students will describe criteria for comparison in public administration and apply global benchmarking frameworks for evaluating public administration and urban policy.
• Students will discuss problems with engaging in comparative field research on public administration (case selection, cultural factors, etc.), and apply remedies in their own research designs.
• Students will develop an original scholarly analysis of one or more aspects of urban policy agenda.

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