Specifically, what have you learned about the following:
understanding different contexts in which public service occurs
understanding what differentiates public service from the private sector
internalizing a commitment to public service as a "noble calling"
appreciating constitutional values
understanding the tension between neutral competence and political responsiveness
applying the concepts of efficiency, accountability, equity, transparency, and other values that define the public interest
knowing common types of ethical dilemmas that public servants face
Tip: See Reflecting on Service and Volunteering for more help.
Identify & Analyze
Describe each context where your perspective of public service has been influenced. The contexts could include service projects, leadership roles, course instruction, assignments, on-the-job training, research, interviews of subject matter experts, etc. What did you learn? Where did you learn it? From whom?
Evaluate & Synthesize
Reflect on, or synthesize, the range of contexts and lessons learned regarding public service. What lessons surface? Which ones can you make the best case for? Support your descriptions with sufficient and compelling evidence.
Transfer
Where and how will you apply these lessons in the work you will be doing post graduation? How will this work be advanced because of a maturing public service perspective?
You may use the Ethics Guiding Questions to help you formulate your response, but pay particular attention to ethical dilemmas that public servants face.
Identify & Analyze
What types of ethical issues should those in public service expect to face? Identify the types and the contexts in which pubic servants will likely encounter them. What guiding principles influence how a pubic servant evaluates the context, formulates a position, and communicates a response? Where or by whom have these principles been established?
Evaluate & Synthesize
How should a public servant respond to these ethical dilemmas? Explain how you would respond to a "new" ethical dilemma based upon the guiding principles you have identified.
Transfer
What types of ethical dilemmas or issues do you expect to encounter on the job? Provide examples that demonstrate your understanding of the ethical issues and their complexity. In other words, what do you believe you will be expected to respond and how are you prepared to do it?
PSAA 611: Public Policy Formation, Deborah Kerr. Assignments include the following: Briefing papers and collaborative project requiring analysis of a policy issue and recommendations for future action. Analysis papers on assigned readings regarding a particular theory addressed through class discussions. Rejoinders responding to another student's analysis, pointing out strengths, adding information to remedy gaps, and identifying alternative viewpoints and interpretations.