Advanced Theories Of Local Government
- Management Sciences
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 136 pages
- 22 units
This course provides an in-depth analysis of comparative local government systems. It explores the theoretical underpinnings, structures, functions, and challenges of local governance across different countries. The course examines decentralization, democracy, accountability, and development within the context of local administration. It also covers various strategies for comparative analysis and the impact of local government on community development.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PAD831, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: THE STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTSPage 32
- UNIT 2: THE FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTPage 39
- UNIT 3: THE STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN BRITAINPage 45
- UNIT 4 THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAPage 52
- UNIT 5: THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN FRANCEPage 59
- UNIT 6 THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN INDIAPage 68
- UNIT 7 THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN TANZANIAPage 76
- UNIT 8 THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIAPage 84
- UNIT 1 IMPERATIVES AND HISTORY OF COMPARATIVE PUBLIC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIONPage 101
- UNIT 2 NATURE, UTILITY AND PROBLEMS OF COMPARATIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENTPage 108
- UNIT 3 DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES IN STRATEGIES OF COMPARATIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIONPage 114
- UNIT 4: EXPERIMENTAL, STATISTICAL AND CASE STUDY STRATEGIES OF COMPARATIVES LOCAL GOVERNMENTPage 118
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PAD831 · UNIT 1 THE IDEA OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government is grassroots government recognised by law. It is defined severally by authors and bodies. Let us look at the definition of local government from the perspective of one author and two bodies or documents.
What you should be able to do
- Compare and contrast different local government systems across countries.
- Analyze the theoretical underpinnings of local governance.
- Evaluate the role of local government in promoting development.
- Identify the challenges facing local governments in developing countries.
- Apply comparative analysis to understand administrative behavior.
- Assess the impact of intergovernmental relations on local governance.
What it prepares you for
- Local Government Administrator
- Policy Analyst
- Public Sector Manager
- Development Officer
- Community Development Coordinator
- Public Administration
- Community Development
- Government
- Non-Profit Sector
- International Development
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 5: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in France
Understanding the nuances of the French prefect system and its impact on local autonomy requires careful attention to historical and political context.
- Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 6: The Structure and Function of Local Government in India
The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in India, with its complex relationships and varying degrees of autonomy, can be challenging to grasp.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Idea of Local Government
Unit 1: The Idea of Local Government · 4 hours
Read Unit 1: The Place of Local Government in a Nation. Define local government from different perspectives. Identify the political and socio-economic roles of local government.
- Week 2Module 1: The Idea of Local Government
Unit 2: Conceptual Analysis of Local Government · 4 hours
Study Unit 2: Understand the concepts of decentralisation and local government. Analyse the relationship between decentralisation and local governance. Discuss the characteristics of grassroots government.
- Week 3Module 1: The Idea of Local Government
Unit 3: Theories of Local Government · 4 hours
Examine Unit 3: Compare the democratic participatory and efficiency services schools of thought. Discuss the role of local government in promoting democracy. Analyse the importance of service delivery at the local level.
- Week 4Module 1: The Idea of Local Government
Unit 4: Decentralisation and Related Concepts · 4 hours
Study Unit 4: Differentiate between decentralisation, devolution, and deconcentration. Analyse the factors affecting decentralisation. Discuss the contributions of decentralisation to developing governments.
- Week 5Module 1: The Idea of Local Government
Unit 5: Justification of Local Government · 4 hours
Read Unit 5: Explain the need for decentralisation. Discuss the role of local government in bridging communication gaps. Analyse the importance of local government in training future leaders.
- Week 6Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 1: Structure of Local Governments · 4 hours
Study Unit 1: Differentiate between single and multi-tier structures. Describe the political and administrative structures of local government. Analyse the relationship between political and administrative structures.
- Week 7Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 2: The Functions of Local Government · 4 hours
Read Unit 2: Identify the principles governing functional responsibilities. Compare the classification of functions in different countries. List the functions of local government in Nigeria.
- Week 8Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 3: The Structure of Local Government in Britain · 4 hours
Study Unit 3: Identify the key units of local government in Britain. Describe the functions and relationships of these units. Analyse the democratic structure and administration in Britain.
- Week 9Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 4: The Structure of Local Government in America · 4 hours
Read Unit 4: Identify the major units of local government in the USA. Describe the structure and functions of counties and rural municipalities. Analyse the role of democracy in local governance.
- Week 10Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 5: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in France · 4 hours
Study Unit 5: Identify the major units of local government in France. Classify the type of decentralisation before and after 1982. State the functions of each tier of government.
- Week 11Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 6: The Structure and Function of Local Government in India · 4 hours
Read Unit 6: Identify the major units of local government in India. Explain the relationship between these units. State the functions of these units.
Unit 7: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in Tanzania · 4 hours
Study Unit 7: Identify the structure of local governments in Tanzania before 1972. Describe the major changes that took place after 1972. Explain the role of ideology and party machinery in local government administration.
- Week 12Module 2: Structure of Local Governments
Unit 8: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in Nigeria · 4 hours
Read Unit 8: Explain the single-tier structure of local government in Nigeria. Present the administrative structure of Nigeria local governments. State the mandatory and concurrent functions of local government in Nigeria.
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 6 hours
Review all modules and units. Work on assignments. Prepare for final examination.
Preparing for the exam
- Create comparative tables summarizing local government structures in different countries (Units 3-7)
- Develop concept maps linking decentralization theories (Unit 4) to practical examples in course modules
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting the roles of local government in developed vs. developing nations
- Review case studies of successful and unsuccessful local government initiatives, focusing on key factors (Units 1-2)
- Focus on understanding the key challenges and opportunities for local government in Nigeria (Unit 8)
- Prioritize understanding the theories of local government (Module 3) and their practical implications
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness
Questions students ask about this course
What is PAD831 about?
This course provides an in-depth analysis of comparative local government systems. It explores the theoretical underpinnings, structures, functions, and challenges of local governance across different countries. The course examines decentralization, democracy, accountability, and development within the context of local administration. It also covers various strategies for comparative analysis and the impact of local government on community development.
How many units does PAD831 have?
PAD831, Advanced Theories Of Local Government, has 22 units across 5 modules, over 136 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PAD831?
PAD831 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Management Sciences.
Is PAD831 hard?
PAD831 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PAD831 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 22 units.
How is PAD831 assessed?
PAD831 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PAD831?
Local Government Administrator, Policy Analyst, Public Sector Manager, Development Officer and Community Development Coordinator.