Fall 2020 Courses
PHST-P201 Intro to Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
Format (Hybrid; some required face-to-face sessions; Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30-11:45 a.m.) 16 weeks
Instructor: Patricia Snell Herzog
This course introduces the field of philanthropic studies, a discipline that “seeks to reflect on its subject as well as see its work carried forward into the world” (Turner 2004). The course surveys the issues and diverse roles played by philanthropic acts and actors in society. It provides an overview of philanthropy in the scholarly fields of the social sciences and the humanities, and introduces the prominent research questions in the teaching, theory, and practice of philanthropy.
PHST-P210 Philanthropy and the Social Sciences (3 cr.)
Format (Hybrid; some required face-to-face sessions; Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00-10:15 a.m.) 16 weeks
Instructor: Patricia Snell Herzog
This course draws from the social sciences and offers an introduction to the analytical approaches and perspectives that these disciplines bring to bear upon the study of philanthropy. The course surveys the issues and diverse roles played by voluntary action and philanthropic organizations in society, as well as the problems and questions that shape social science research on understanding and improving the practice of philanthropy.
PHST-P212 Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (3 cr.)
Format (Hybrid; alternating face-to-face and synchronous Zoom; Mondays and Wednesdays 1:30-2:45 p.m.) 16 weeks
Instructor: Andy Williams
Using insights from history, economics, political science, and public policy analysis, this course examines the nature and scope of philanthropic giving, volunteering, and advocacy in the United States, the ideas and forces that have shaped its character and growth, and the issues it presents within democratic society. What contributions do philanthropy, voluntary and collective action, and nonprofit organizations make to American society? How does American society influence the size and scope of philanthropy and the voluntary sector?
PHST-P301 Historical Contexts for and Contemporary Approaches to Philanthropy (3 cr.)
Format (mostly synchronous Zoom; Thursdays 1:30-2:45 p.m.) 16 weeks
Instructor: Sarah Nathan
This course provides a historical context to explore contemporary approaches to philanthropy and civil society in the United States. Topics will include the social, political, and cultural conditions, as well as the patterns and current expressions of philanthropy. Key historical documents and events will be examined to understand why philanthropy exists in American society, how philanthropy has remained constant or changed over time, contemporary approaches, and similarities or differences with other cultural contexts.
PHST-P390 Internship and Career Prep (1 cr.)
Format (Face-to-face; Thursdays 3:00-5:00 p.m.) First eight weeks
Instructor: Pamela Clark
This course will assist you in developing your job search strategies for seeking internships, part-time, and full-time jobs. In so doing, you will reflect upon your values, interests, abilities, and experiences to help clarify and articulate the types of additional experiences you hope to gain through an internship for credit.
PHST-P490 Internship (3 cr.)
Format (Online) 16 weeks
Instructor: Tyrone Freeman
This course gives students the opportunity to apply theory to practice within a nonprofit organization. Students work with a host organization and a faculty advisor to develop a meaningful experience in their areas of interest, such as fundraising, marketing, communications, program development, board development, or volunteer coordination. Students complete a portfolio that includes a learning contract, structured reflections on their experiences, and products developed through the internship.
Elective Courses
PHST-P330 Global Philanthropy (3 cr.)
Format (Online) 12 weeks: September 21-December 20, 2020
Instructor: Pamala Wiepking
When it comes to philanthropy, there are large differences between different nations. Why do people in one country donate, volunteer or help each other more frequently than people in another country?
In this course, we will answer this question, first by examining how people across different countries and cultures define philanthropy. Secondly, we will examine how individual motives and drivers for philanthropy differ for people from different cultures, and how these motives are conditioned by cultural, religious and social norms.
Finally, we will study the differences between nations in the history and culture of philanthropy, differences in institutional arrangements (such as laws and regulations, educational programs and the organization of philanthropy, including fundraising).
PHST-P323 Donor Motivation and Engagement I (3 cr.)
Format (Hybrid with face-to-face and synchronous Zoom) 16 weeks
Instructor: Gen Shaker
Explore the elements of working with individual donors across the typical array of annual giving fundraising programs and activities (i.e., donor research, annual giving, donor relations, communications, and stewardship). This includes perspectives on individual donor motivations as related to developing the base of support for a philanthropic mission.
You will examine women as donors, diverse ethnic donors and constituencies, generational donors, internal donors, and other constituencies. Learn about ethical and legal considerations related to annual giving fundraising. Practice relational and communicative aspects of individual donor engagement and develop your interpersonal skills through major course assignments and activities. Create and run a #GivingTuesday fundraising campaign for the cause of your choice.
PHST-P430 Philanthropy & Race: Risks & Rewards (3 cr.)
Format (Synchronous Zoom, Wednesdays 3:00-5:40 p.m.) 16 weeks
Instructor: Michael R. Twyman
This course will be an intensive, critical examination of the origins and development of race and racial ideologies. It will focus specifically on the historical evolution of the philanthropic field in America in the context of the annihilation of indigenous peoples, colonization, enslavement of Africans, Abolitionist Movement, Civil War/Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights Movement, and Black Lives Matter Movement.
Special consideration will be given to the role philanthropy has played in supporting systemic racism, and how philanthropic organizations have institutionalized practices that may have contributed to creating and sustaining racial inequities. The class will also explore how race is a factor in constituting board, executive leadership, and staff in the philanthropic sector; establishing and validating community need and funding priorities; determining what causes and organizations receive philanthropic support; and developing metrics and accountability for producing equitable outcomes.
Lastly, the course will examine what are the best ways and opportunities for philanthropy to lead in advancing racial equity going forward.