Levin College of Urban Affairs CSU Free Speech
  you are visitor #

since 1.5.07 		  Last update
E-mail now! Back to TOP

  UST/PAD/PDD 601 
Course Syllabus Syllabus

(any changes will be announced in class)


Objectives COURSE OBJECTIVES


Decision making for planning, policy, and management relies increasingly on quantitative reasoning, which entails the collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data. Applied Quantitative Research I provides some key tools for quantitative reasoning. This course is designed to introduce students to quantitative principles and techniques of decision making and to their application in planning and public administration. The course presents the logic of quantitative analysis; it introduces basic techniques for data description and presentation to lay audiences, using computer technology, including spreadsheets and presentation software; and, using a computer package for statistical analysis, it expands the student's ability to reason quantitatively in the context of planning and public administration. Students will learn to:

identify types of problems that lend themselves to quantitative analysis;
ask questions that can be answered through quantitative reasoning;
formulate hypotheses to be explored quantitatively;
identify the means to test the hypotheses (logic, procedure, data);
carry out the analysis;
understand the meaning of results and reapply results to the initial or similar problems;
present the results to specified audiences;
evaluate results of research carried out and reported by others;
apply the new knowledge to decision making.


Method COURSE METHOD


The course consists of:
  • lectures on quantitative methods and procedures for data description, analysis and presentation;
  • class discussions of homework solutions;
  • group exercises;
  • individual and/or group projects;
  • discussions of project questions and results.

Back to TOP

Important!


  • Students are expected to: attend all classes; participate actively in discussions and group exercises, asking clarifying questions; use the computer (as frequently as possible) for solving homework sets and (always) for text editing.
  • Homework sets and project outputs should be handed in ON TIME using wordprocessing where appropriate). Since homeworks serve the goal of sharpening communication skills that complement the analytic ones, pay attention to completeness, clarity and aspect. Grading is based on soundness of the analytical thinking, effectiveness of interpretation, and communication of results.
  • Prepare for class sessions by reading text assignments and identifying topics that need clarification in class. Feel free to raise questions (even if you suspect you are the only one who does not know the answer) to ensure that you thoroughly understand and are able to apply discussed procedures in contexts outside the classroom.


Evaluation EVALUATION PROCEDURE (tentative)

The final grade will be a composite of grades for:
  • periodic assignments (expected every week), 10%
  • class participation in group exercises, 10%
  • midterm 1 (usually 5th week, class time), 20% (or 15% w. project)
  • midterm 2 (usually 10th week, class time), 25 % (or 15% w. project)
  • final (exam week, during exam week at class time), 35% (or 30% w. project)
  • project (optional, due at last class, not always offered), 20%


Late homeworks will not be accepted since solutions are discussed in class.
The (open book) midterms and final will test accumulated knowledge as well as ability to respond to new problems. While focusing on the most recent lecture topics, exams have to rely on concepts covered earlier; in preparation, review earlier material and avoid falling behind in readings or assignments.
Attendance at all exams is required. Makeups will be given only in emergency cases (proof required; vacation arrangements are not emergencies) and with advance notice.
If any course component is not offered, the points are redistributed among remaining components.


For Office data Instructor and CSU NEWS Click

Back to TOP
This site has been prepared by Sanda Kaufman (.) Please contact her with any comments.