Course Description
To understand the structures, responsibilities and importance of government(s) in contemporary time. How governments respond to public needs and people’s interests while maintaining the fundamental principles of legality, justice, equality, rights and democracy etc. make up the core of the course. How public policies are made and how they facilitate social progress and development will be another important content. Lastly, how governments interact with the public, community, private sectors, NGOs, and also the external environment will be a third concern introducing students to the important role of government. Examples will be drawn from various places. Reference to current issues or events will complement lectures.
Intended Learning Outcomes
CILO-1: Describe the governance and explain how governments affect the public, especially in key areas of policy and service.
CILO-2: Discuss important issues addressed by the government at various times.
CILO-3: Define the Origins of State, the Elements of State, the different kinds of State (Unitary vs. Federal State), the different forms of Government (Presidential).
CILO-4: Identify how government exercises its power and how power is being checked by the legislatures, the press, and the public at large (i.e. separation-of-power; checks-and-balance).
CILO-5: Explain how decisions of the Government are made, i.e. policy-makings and are implemented, i.e. policy-implementations.
CILO-6: Explain concepts and cases of public accountability, administrative ethics and administrative reform efforts (New Public Management), and how government is directly related to, and have impact on, individual lives.