Founded in 1870 in Syracuse, New York, the Syracuse University is a top private research institution enjoying global reputation. In 1924, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the first of its kind in America, was established, making Syracuse University the first institution of America that confers the degree of Master of Public Administration. Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs ranked the first in public affairs in the USNEWS poll on university ranking in 2013.

Public Administration and Policies jointly launched by the School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs would analyze the status quo and issues with American politics, institutions, policies, governments, non-governmental organizations, public engagement and information disclosure based on basic public administration theories and help students to apply knowledge into practices with case study.

1. Introduction

What are the roles of local government and non-governmental organizations in public governance? How does the private sector help improve public governance? What are the relations among these players in public policies and governance? How to give full play to collective advantages? What should the government do in information disclosure?

This Program not only answers questions above but introduces the administrative system of America. Conflicting local governance cases of America would be introduced in theory study. Teaching modes include classroom lectures, group discussions and field investigations so as to make sure that students develop a better understanding of topic and acquisition of knowledge.

2. Aims

After finishing the program, students would acquire basic knowledge on American administrative system, get familiar with related governance or collaborative governance theories, and understand American policies on local governance, conflict negotiation and information disclosure with acquired institution analysis skills.

3. Modes

The Program would be organized in formats of theme lectures and group discussions offered and guided by veteran professors, field investigations of departments and projects in relation to agriculture, energies, climate change and ecological protection, and practice briefing by officers and experts from related sectors.

4. Tasks

The learning tasks are divided into two parts.

Part I is composed of class lectures and case introduction. The professors would lecture local governance theories by introducing core theories on collaborative governance and local governance cases of America. Students would receive a series of classic reading materials in addition to the courseware so as to better understand the knowledge imparted during the classes. Each theme would be elaborated with a related policy case implemented in Europe.

Part II is composed of field investigations and group discussions based on theory and case instructions. Officers and workers from related government bodies, think tanks and specific programs would brief the organization, operation and supervision of the investigation objects and communicate with students. Group discussions provide students with the opportunities to apply theories into practices. Students would discuss and report on related themes in group. Group members would share ideas so as to deepen understanding of theories and practices.