Linking theory to television: Public administration in Parks and Recreation

ABSTRACT

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) classroom is ripe for teaching opportunities that link theory to practice. Film and television clips are one way to show “practice.” This article explores the use of NBC’s Parks and Recreation, the popular sitcom led by Amy Poehler, as a teaching tool that can be fun and beneficial for stimulating classroom discussion and fostering critical analysis skills. Through a content analysis, it is established that the series includes a vast amount of material that can be utilized in the classroom. Fifty-seven percent of the series’ episodes are applicable in whole or part to help illustrate course concepts and theories, exercise problem-solving skills, or serve as a catalyst for critical thinking. Three specific examples of the utility of episodes in the classroom are presented. Through this research, it is established that Parks and Recreation can enhance one’s teaching arsenal suited for the MPA curriculum.

KEYWORDS:

• Popular culture
• public administration teaching
• public management
• television

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Courtney Roberts for her assistance with the research of Parks and Recreation. The author also thanks anonymous reviewers for their valuable feedback, which improved this article.

Notes

1. This course was originally called Administrative Theory and Behavior, but had evolved over time into a course that provides students with an introduction to or overview of public administration.

2. While the show focuses on interactions among Parks Department staff members both at work and outside of work, organizational culture codes reflect only those workplace interactions.

3. For a more comprehensive summary of the episode, please visit http://parksandrecreation.wikia.com/wiki/New_Beginnings.

4. For a fuller synopsis of this episode, please visit: http://parksandrecreation.wikia.com/wiki/Gin_It_Up!

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a 2015-2016 College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Notes on contributors

Erin L. Borry

Erin L. Borry is an assistant professor of public administration with the Department of Government at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She teaches several courses in the MPA program, including Human Resources Management and Intergovernmental Relations. Her research focuses on the intersection of organizational ethics, rules, and red tape.