Course Syllabus
V535
Managing and Leading Public Affairs
This page provides highlights from the course syllabus for public reference. Updated 4/26/2026.
Course Information
Instructor Information
- Instructor: Deanna Malatesta, Ph.D., Associate Professor
- Teaching Assistant: Ryley Linehan
- Class Location: Online
- Optional Meeting sessions: Tuesdays 9:00 - 10:00 AM
- Attendance: Students are expected to monitor Canvas daily for announcements and contact the instructor when questions arise.
Course Description
This intensive six-week course examines the crucial role of public organizations in society and how leadership and the external environment shape their effectiveness. Students will learn key theories and how to address practical challenges. The course also covers the distinct nature of public organizations and their role in collaboration across sectors.
- Semester: Summer 2026
- Dates: May 12th - June 18th
- Prerequisites: None
- Credits: 3
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, will be able to demonstrate:
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Analyze the distinctive environmental pressures facing public organizations, including political authority, constitutional constraints, and competing values such as efficiency versus responsiveness.
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Apply key theories to diagnose management challenges in public sector contexts.
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Evaluate the role of leadership and ethics in navigating tensions among multiple principals (e.g., legislators, courts, interest groups) and conflicting performance criteria.
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Design collaborative strategies for sector partnerships and interorganizational coordination to address complex public problems.
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Communicate evidence-based recommendations effectively, integrating course concepts into professional written and oral presentations suitable for public affairs practice.
Textbook
Required Textbook
One book is required for this course and is available online from the IU Bloomington library at no cost:
Rainey, H. G., Fernandez, S., and Malatesta, D. (2021). Understanding and Managing Public Organizations. 6th Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Additional required reading material and video will be made available through Canvas.
Technical Requirements
You will need the following in order to participate in this course:
Hardware:
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Latest web browser versions (Mozilla Firefox is recommended for Canvas)
- Reliable internet access (preferably DSL or faster)
- Microphone
- Webcam
Software (latest version):
- Adobe Reader
- Microsoft Office
Download these programs directly at IUware Online. Log in with your IU username and passphrase. Not all software is available online. If you need a program on a DVD, you can purchase discs through all campus bookstores.
Technical Support
You may also receive support from:
- University Information Technology Services (UITS) (human support)
- IU Knowledge Base (IUKB) (guides)
- IUware (download free software)
The full syllabus with all necessary information (e.g., policies, assignments, daily topics) is available under Module 0 in the Canvas course.