PUBPOL 5612

Intergovernmental Relations

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Public and private sector professionals interacting with government agencies need a working understanding of the jurisdictional boundaries of government, the interplay between federal, state, and local government, and the rise of nonprofits, regionalism, and public/private partnerships. This course is designed to enhance upper level undergraduate and graduate students' ability to navigate the complex and ever-evolving US system of government, the delivery of funding and services, and the implementation of statutes and regulations. This course will provide students with first-hand accounts and analysis of governmental functions and roles, from local boards to state and federal government.

Enrollment Priority Enrollment limited to: Master of Public Administration (MPA) students or with permission of instructor.

Distribution Requirements (HA-HE, SBA-HE)

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

Outcomes

• Students will analyze and describe key points of decision-making, policymaking, and funding within the United States intergovernmental system.
• Students will describe the role of intergovernmental actors (elected officials, managers, staff) in policy implementation in the United States.
• Students will conduct research, draft original papers, and present findings on a public policy space affected by intergovernmental relations (healthcare, transportation, education, land use, environment, etc.).

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