ADMIN. DEPARTMENT OF POL.

SCI/MPA
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
LAW SEC. VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
IA VALDOSTA, GEORGIA

TERM: FALL SEMESTER 2016

TIME: ONLINE
CREDITS: 3.00 HOURS

PROFESSOR: DR. GREG RABIDOUX, PH.D, JD

PHONE: (229) 253-2919
E-MAIL: GRRABIDOUX@VALDOSTA.EDU

I. COURSE OVERVIEW
A. Description
This course, Administrative Law and Government, Section IA, examines the
foundations of US Administrative Law, its administrative structure and the
roles of agencies, independent regulatory agencies and commissions,
governmental corporations and how these interact with and are checked by
the courts, the federal administrative legal system, the executive branch and
the legislative branch.

One of the overall themes of this course is how agencies within the federal
and state bureaucracy fit into our system of separated powers, both at the
federal and state levels of government. Another area we will explore is the
critical role that administrative law judges (ALJs) play in executing its
adjudicatory function and the basis of its rulings. Subsumed within the
adjudicatory function includes the nature and law of Due Process and
bureaucratic rulemaking.

One of the more important areas we will examine is the availability and
nature of judicial review as well as its scope and limitations. The sheer size
and scope of bureaucracy as well as its non-democratic character sets up
judicial review as one of the only limitations on the power of administrative
action.

How well American Government survives, even thrives to the future may tell
us and future students of government and politics much, not only about its
people but of its structure, its institutions, the timeliness of its core ideas and
theories. And administrative law plays a far more important and increasingly
significant part in responding to this question than many students of
government may appreciate.

We will together, examine the constitutional and political foundations of

Administrative Law, and gain a full understanding and appreciation of its
application in daily administrative life and action through the review of
contemporary examples and explanations. We will use case-studies, current
problems and challenges and administrative legal implementation, scrutiny
and review to examine the cope and nature of administrative law in our
government today.

B. Content Mastery
Upon successful completion of this course students will normally be able to
identify and cite basic concepts underlying Administrative Law and
Government, apply these concepts to relevant and contemporary examples,
as well as demonstrate a level of appreciation for relevant historical facts
and knowledge within the framework of American national government as it
encompasses and animates administrative law.
C. Assessing Student Course Performance
A number of measurements will be relied upon, including weekly Discussion
Board Postings which will allow students to demonstrate their understanding
of and application of assigned readings, reaction assignments to assigned
supplemental readings (electronic) and assigned writing which will allow for
more in-depth demonstration of mastery of materials, concepts and key
issues within the course.

II. COURSE POLICIES

Attendance
The University expects all students to regularly attend all scheduled class
meetings held for instruction or examination. University policy provides that
a student who misses more than 20% of the scheduled classes for a course
may receive a failing grade, regardless of other performance in the course.
VSU instructors do reserve the right to invoke this policy and fail students
with excessive absences, unless exceptional justification is provided, such as
military service. Further details of how attendance and participation may
impact a students course grade can be found in the COURSE REQUIREMENTS
section of this syllabus.

Mutual Respect
Unlike say online courses, being on time and physically present for this class
is not only vital to ensure a passing to excellent grade, it is also mandatory.
Coming to class at least 80% or more is really just the starting point.
Demonstrating respect for other students and the instructor means in part
expressing your opinion while never diminishing or insulting others for
expressing their viewpoint even if contrary to your own. Respect also means
coming to class prepared and having done assigned readings, not engaging
in distracting and even rude behavior like checking email, social media, etc.,
in class or talking to ones friends while the instructor or one of your peers is
talking about course material and discussion.

While I dont expect any such behavior, and honestly, over the last 12 years
of teaching college have almost no instances of such behavior, if it does
occur I will discuss and request the behavior cease. In short, if you think that
what you are doing might not be welcomed by others or your instructor you
are probably right.

Late Work
Late assignments will NOT be accepted.
I do understand that circumstances sometimes happen beyond a students
control or intentions. Your best approach is to be upfront with me, let me
know of a situation that is or has made it impossible to get your work done
and Ill try to be fair (to you and all your peers who did the work on time)
though no guarantees.

Accommodations
Students requesting classroom accommodations or modifications due to a
documented disability must contact the Access Office for Students with
Disabilities located in Farber Hall. The phone numbers are (229) 245-2498
(V/VP) and (229) 219-1348 (TTY).

Course Tutoring
The Student Success Center (SSC) provides free tutoring for all VSU students
in core courses and in writing. The SSC also offers time management and
study skills workshops. The SSC is located in Langdale Hall. Call (229) 333-
7570 to make an appointment, or visit the SSC website at
www.valdosta.edu/ssc .

Academic Integrity
Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the Academic Integrity
Policy as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. (See
http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/academic-affairs/vp-office/academic-
honesty-policies-and-procedures.php) and
http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/academic-affairs/vp-office/academic-
dishonesty.php.)
All students are expected to do their own work in this course and to uphold a
high standard of academic ethics. Suspected violations will be investigated
and, if confirmed, will produce severe penalties. Plagiarizing or other forms
of cheating will result in zero credit for that course element and your
instructor will submit a Report of Academic Dishonesty to the Student
Conduct Office in the Dean of Students Office. Repeat violations will result in
a failing grade for the course and possible expulsion from the university.

My basic mantra here has always been, 1) Do your own work 2) Cite any
work that isnt your own 3) Err on the side of being overly cautious about
numbers 1 and 2.

Title IX Statement: Valdosta State University (VSU) is committed to creating a diverse and
inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. VSU is dedicated
to creating an environment where all campus community members feel valued, respected, and
included. Valdosta State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity,
national origin, sex (including pregnancy status, sexual harassment and sexual violence), sexual
orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran
status, in the University's programs and activities as required by applicable laws and regulations such
as Title IX. The individual designated with responsibility for coordination of compliance efforts and
receipt of inquiries concerning nondiscrimination policies is the University's Title IX Coordinator:
Maggie Viverette, Director of the Office of Social Equity, titleix@valosta.edu, 1208 N. Patterson St.,
Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia 31608, 229-333-5463.

Access Statement: Students with disabilities who are experiencing barriers in this course may
contact the Access Office for assistance in determining and implementing reasonable
accommodations. The Access Office is located in Farbar Hall. The phone numbers are 229-245-2498
(V), 229-375-5871 (VP) and 229-219-1348 (TTY). For more information, please visit VSUs Access
Office or email: access@valdosta.edu.

Student Opinion of Instruction

At the end of the term, all students will be expected to complete an online
Student Opinion of Instruction survey (SOI) that will be available on BANNER.
Students will receive an e-mail notification through their VSU e-mail address
when the SOI is available (generally at least one week before the end of the
term). SOI responses are anonymous to instructors and administrators.
Instructors will be able to view only a summary of all responses for two
weeks after they have submitted final grades. While instructors will not be
able to view individual responses or to access any of the summary data until
after final grade submission, they will be able to see which students have or
have not completed their SOIs. These compliance and non-compliance
reports will not be available once instructors are able to access the results.
Information about the SOIs, including how to access the surveys, is available
at http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/academic-affairs/vp-office/directions-
for-accessing-and-completing-sois.php.
III. GRADING AND General Course Requirements

Discussion Board Postings (10) Max. pts. 10 per (10 x 10=100

possible pts.) 100
Writing Assignments (2) Each WA (WA1 and WA2 worth max. 20
points) 2 x 20=40
Blog Postings (5) Each BP worth max. 4 (5 x 4) =20
Case Study Analysis (CS) (1) worth max. 20 points (1 x 20)= 20
Final Exam (FE) (1) worth max. 30 points (1 x 30)= 30

Total Max. points for course = 210

Grading Point Scale:

192-210 A
173-191 B
154-172 C
140-153 D
<140 F

Specific Course Requirements:

Discussion Board Postings (DBPs)-You will have 10 mandatory

DBPs throughout the course. You MUST post at least one original
thread posting in response to question/topic instructor poses and
respond to classmates. Points earned on quality plus class
average in number of postings. See

CRITERION:
Your posting must demonstrate the following:
1-That you have read and understand the assigned material from
the relevant assigned chapter or reading if applicable
2-That you understand and directly respond to the DBP
question/topic posed
3-That your posts are graduate student quality, meaning that you
demonstrate scholarly understanding and when and where
appropriate cite or reference relevant material from text
4-That your comments are appropriate and professional
5-You share your thoughts as well as respond to at least the
comments of one other fellow student

In posting keep in mind the following are unacceptable and may

cause you to lose partial credit/and or full credit:

NO rude or offensive language

NO profane or sexually explicit language
NO insulting or cyber-bullying of any fellow student
NO soliciting, advertising, or directing students to any links,
websites or other spots other than topic/question presented by
Instructor
NO plagiarism or cutting and pasting comments from any other
source and passing them off as yours

Each DBP is worth a maximum of 10 points, or 100 points for all

DBPS

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

You will have 2 Writing Assignments (WAs)

Each WA is worth a maximum of 20 points each or 40 total
possible points
I will post specific WA instructions/details in your CONTENT area,
look for emails and/or NEWS updates regarding these WAs

Blog Assignments

You will have 5 mandatory assigned Blog postings

Each is worth 4 points or 20 points total
The Blog that you will be posting your reaction/responses to is:
www.gregtheblogger.com

This is a blog that I write. It covers current events, politics and

pop culture. Many of these blogs are very relevant to PA, politics
and law. But you can choose whichever blog postings from those
listed on my blog you wish.
Case Study Analysis (CS) 20 max. pts.
I will provide you with a case and/or you will identify a relevant
case and then respond to specific questions as you analyze and
review case. Again, as with your WAs your CS and your FE will all
be listed with details in your CONTENT area as course progresses.

Final Exam (FE) 30 max. pts.

I will provide you with an exam consisting of questions based from
original scenarios. This will be posted shortly before the end of
the semester and will be due the last day of the semester.

All assignments other than DBPs and Blog comments are due via
DROPBOX.

Late assignments will NOT be accepted.

-----------------

V. TEXT
Youll need to purchase the following mandatory text for this course:

Administrative Law (Fourth Edition) Examples & Explanations, William Funk, Richard Seamon,
Wolters Kluwer, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-454-80521-2

*While I have ordered copies for VSU bookstore for your purchase, you may
buy from other vendors that you believe are more appropriate.

READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS

*THIS IS MORE OF A GENERAL OUTLINE SO STUDENTS GET AN IDEA OF

ASSIGNED READINGS AND TOPICS AS WELL AS FLOW. IT WILL
PROBABLY CHANGE.
**THERE WILL BE SOME ADDITIONAL ARTICLES OR ONLINE SOURCES
FOR STUDENTS TO READ, REVIEW ASSIGNED THROUGHOUT THE
COURSE.

TO HELP GET STUDENTS USED TO DISCUSSING AND INTERPRETING

CURRENT EVENTS THERE WILL BE BRIEF ASSIGNMENTS THAT WILL
REQUIRE EACH TO GO TO A BLOG, CHOOSE A POSTING TO READ AND
THEN POST THEIR OWN COMMENT/REACTION TO.

WEB ADDRESS: WWW.GREGTHEBLOGGER.COM

WEEK 1

CHAPTER 1-INTRODUCTION TO ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING (DBP1)

POST COMMENT/REACTIONS

WEEKS 2 AND 3

CHAPTER 2-HOW AGENCIES FIT INTO OUR SYSTEM OF SEPARATED POWERS

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING2 (DBP2)
DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 3 (DBP3)
BLOG ASSIGNMENT1------POST COMMENT TO ASSIGNED BLOG GO TO BLOG SITE
(WWW.GREGTHEBLOGGER.COM) AND POST ON AT LEAST 1 (0NE) POSTING, PREFERABLY ON
CURRENT EVENTS/POLITICS OR AS ASSIGNED BY INSTRUCTOR

YOUR COMMENT WILL THEN BE MODERATED AND YOU WILL RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE
ACTIVITY

**NO OFFENSIVE, RUDE, PROFANE OR VULGAR LANGUAGE, NO CYBER-BULLYING OR

INSULTING OTHER STUDENT OR PUBLIC COMMENTS, NO ADVERTISING, SOLICITING, OR
REDIRECTING VIEWERS/TRAFFIC TO OTHER SITES.

WEEK 4

CHAPTER 3 ADJUDICATION

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 4 (DBP4)

WEEK 5

NO TEXT ASSIGNED READING

WRITING ASSIGNMENT#1
TOPIC QUESTION TO BE PROVIDED BY INSTRUCTOR
DUE: BY ELECTRONIC DROP BOX (SEE DROPBOX FOR DETAILS)

WEEK 6

CHAPTER 4 DUE PROCESS

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 5 (DBP5)

WEEK 7, 8, AND 9

CHAPTER 5 RULEMAKING

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 6(DBP6)

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 7 (DBP7)

CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT (CS) WILL BE POSTED-SEE CONTENT AREA

WEEK 10

NO ASSIGNED TEXT READING

WRITING ASSIGNMENT #2
SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY BY DROP-BOX PROVIDED BY INSTRUCTOR

WEEKS 11 AND 12

CHAPTER 6 THE SCOPE OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 8 (DBP8)

BLOG ASSIGNMENT #2
WEEK 13

CHAPTER 8 GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 9 (DBP9)

WEEK 14

CHAPTER 9 PUBLIC ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

DISCUSSION BOARD POSTING 10 (DBP10)

WEEK 15

FINAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT (FE)

TO BE SUBMITTED VIA DROP-BOX PROVIDED BY INSTRUCTOR

-------------------------

Instructor reserves the right to make changes and modifications

to this syllabus outline.
No late assignments will be accepted