Summer 2021 Course Offerings

Instructor: Jim Moran
Dates: May 24th, 2021 - Aug 13th, 2021

This course will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to learn about congressional politics from former Congressman Jim Moran. Congressman Moran served for over two decades in the U.S. House of Representatives and now sits on the Advisory Board for the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. During this course, Congressman Moran will explore how decision-making happens in Congress and discuss strategies for effective policy-making in today's political climate. Having never lost an election in over 35 years in elective office, the Congressman will also offer some tips to any aspiring politicians. 

Instructor: Ayda Kianmehr
Dates: May 24th, 2021 - July 2nd, 2021

In this course sequence, students will develop insight into the types of data that are related to complex urban issues such as economic growth, environmental justice, policing, and gentrification. Students will analyze and visualize data, and explore decision-making processes that rely on data analysis. Each section will run for two weeks each during the first summer session. This course covers Pathways 5A. 

Instructor: Lauren McKeague
Dates: July 7th, 2021 - Aug 13th, 2021

Controlled substance abuse is a dynamic, ever-shifting wicked problem that must be addressed by every generation of policymakers. This course will provide students with a broad overview of the political, social, and economic dimensions of controlled substance abuse in the U.S. Additionally, it will analyze the various public policy tools used to control substance abuse, considering the major interest groups, ways of framing, and intended outcomes. 

Instructor: Richard Rich
Dates: May 24th, 2021 - July 2nd, 2021

In this course, students will critically examine major global environmental problems - such as global warming, atmospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, tropical deforestation, and toxic waste - with an emphasis on their social, economic, political, ethical, and policy implications and solutions. 

Instructor: Chad Levinson
Dates: July 7th, 2021 - Aug 13th, 2021

This is a graduate-level course that examines the role of experts and information in US politics, with a focus on international relations. It focuses on the governmental and extra-governmental organizations that help formulate public policy, the public’s response to uncertainty, and the role of the science in domestic and international politics. 

Instructors: Anthony Romanello & Kathleen Guzi
Offered: Mondays and Thursdays 4:00pm to 6:45pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom

(May substitute for MPA Core Courses if MPA Student in enrolled in the Local Government Certificate Program– Public Budgeting OR Personnel Processes)
An examination at an advanced level of a selected managerial process(s) in the public sector. This course will focus on local government human resource, financial management, information technology, and performance management processes that managers must use when working in local government organizations. Additionally, topics will review public procurement, risk management, safety management, franchise agreements, contracting for municipal services.
(3 hours, 3 credits)

Instructor: Chris Lawrence
Offered: Mondaay 4:00pm to 6:45pm
Delivery: Online via Zoom

This course addresses the roles and responsibilities of a local government planning administrator.  The course covers planning topics such as leadership, organization and operational management, engagement and collaboration, customer service, conflict management, visioning, politics, data analytics and technology, from a manager’s perspective, not just basic tools of a practitioner.
(3 hours, 3 credits).