Standard Course Outline
- Course
Prefix, Number, Title (Units) Course: IEAM 100 – Introduction to
Election Administration and Management (3 units) - Course Description:
An introductory course providing a comprehensive overview of election
administration and management, covering legal frameworks, institutional
structures, and operational procedures in organizing and conducting
elections. Includes lectures, case studies, and discussions on ensuring
free, fair, and transparent elections. - Course
Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, Fieldwork, and Other Requirements: None - Mode
of Instruction ☐ Face-to-Face
☐ Hybrid ☒ Online
– Asynchronous - Course
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Alignment with Program
Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Course Student Learning Outcome | Aligned Program Learning Outcome(s) |
1. Understand the importance of election administration and management in democratic governance. |
PLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of political institutions and processes. |
2. Familiarize participants with the legal frameworks governing electoral processes. |
PLO 2: Analyze legal and constitutional issues in political contexts. |
3. Explore the roles and responsibilities of election authorities and administrators. |
PLO 3: Evaluate the functions of governmental and non-governmental actors in political systems. |
4. Examine key components of election management, including voter registration, polling operations, and results reporting. |
PLO 4: Apply principles of political analysis to contemporary issues. |
5. Analyze principles of impartiality, transparency, and integrity in election administration. |
PLO 5: Assess ethical dimensions of political behavior and decision-making. |
6. Discuss challenges and best practices in conducting elections, including voter education, security, and dispute resolution. |
PLO 6: Identify challenges and propose solutions in political contexts. |
7. Identify strategies for improving the efficiency, inclusiveness, and credibility of electoral processes. |
PLO 7: Develop strategies for effective political engagement and advocacy. |
Subject Matter Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Election
Administration
- Significance
of elections in democratic societies (SLO 1) - Electoral
cycle and key stages of election administration (SLO 4) - Legal
frameworks and constitutional provisions governing elections (SLO 2)
Module 2: Election Authorities and
Institutional Structures
- Roles
and responsibilities of election management bodies (SLO 3) - Structure
and composition of election commissions/boards (SLO 3) - Independence,
impartiality, and accountability of election authorities (SLO 5)
Module 3: Voter Registration and Voter
Education
- Importance
of voter registration in ensuring electoral participation (SLO 4) - Methods
and mechanisms for voter registration (SLO 4) - Voter
education campaigns and outreach strategies (SLO 6)
Module 4: Polling Operations and Election Day
Procedures
- Setup
and management of polling stations (SLO 4) - Recruitment
and training of election officials (SLO 3) - Security
measures and safeguards during election day (SLO 5)
Module 5: Ballot Design, Voting Technology,
and Counting Procedures
- Principles
of ballot design and layout (SLO 4) - Introduction
to electronic voting systems and their implications (SLO 4) - Vote
counting procedures, tabulation, and results reporting (SLO 4)
Module 6: Election Integrity and Transparency
- Ensuring
transparency and integrity in the electoral process (SLO 5) - Measures
to prevent electoral fraud, malpractice, and interference (SLO 5) - Electoral
observation, monitoring, and oversight mechanisms (SLO 3)
Module 7: Challenges and Best Practices in
Election Administration
- Common
challenges faced by election administrators (SLO 6) - Best
practices for addressing logistical, legal, and operational issues (SLO 7) - Case
studies and lessons learned from past elections (SLO 6)
Module 8: Innovations and Future Trends in
Election Administration
- Emerging
trends in election technology, voter engagement, and participation (SLO 7) - Innovations
in voter registration, polling operations, and results management (SLO 7) - Opportunities
and challenges for the future of election administration (SLO 7)
Recommended
Texts
- “Election
Administration and Management” by R. Michael Alvarez and Thad E. Hall - “The
International IDEA Handbook of Electoral System Design” edited by Andrew
Reynolds
Assessments
Assessment Description | Linked to SLO(s) | Required? |
Quiz on the Importance of Election Administration in Democratic Governance |
SLO 1 | Yes |
Quiz on Legal Frameworks | SLO 2 | Yes |
Quiz on Roles and Responsibilities of Election Authorities | SLO 3 | Yes |
Quiz on Voter Registration and Voter Education | SLO 4 | Yes |
Quiz on Polling Operations and Election Day Procedures | SLO 4 | Yes |
Quiz on Ballot Design, Voting Technology, and Counting Procedures |
SLO 4 | Yes |
Quiz on Election Integrity and Transparency | SLO 5 | Yes |
Quiz on Challenges and Best Practices in Election Administration | SLO 6 | Yes |
Quiz on Innovations and Future Trends in Election Administration | SLO 7 | Yes |
Selected Instructor’s Bibliography
- Alvarez,
R. Michael, and Thad E. Hall. “Election Administration and
Management.” ABC-CLIO, 2012. - Reynolds,
Andrew (Ed.). “The International IDEA Handbook of Electoral System
Design.” International Institute for Democracy and Electoral
Assistance, 2018.