- PHST-P 105 Giving and Volunteering in America (3 cr.) This introductory course, designed as a general education course in the humanities, for non-majors encourages students to reflect on their past and current experiences with giving and volunteering. Students will be introduced to the historical, philosophical, and literary traditions of American philanthropy and will be encouraged to apply these traditions to their own lives, service experiences, educational and professional goals, and visions for a better world. One component of the course involves a service-learning experience and reflective essay. RISE=S
- PHST-P 201 Introduction to Philanthropic Leadership (3 cr.) This course explores the issues and values surrounding philanthropy and nonprofit organizations as they have developed in history, as they shape contemporary formal study of philanthropy, and as an important part of students' personal, intellectual, and professional lives. One component of the course involves a service-learning experience and reflective essay. RISE=S
- PHST-P 210 Analyze and Act for Public Good (3 cr.) 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-P 211 Philanthropy, Arts, and Culture (3 cr.) This course draws from the humanities disciplines to address the question of responsible action in philanthropy. To whom or to what should a philanthropist be responsible? Readings and discussions will involve and analysis of values, goals, purposes, moral claims, and aspirations that sometimes compete, conflict, or coexist uneasily in philantrhopic action and organizations.
- PHST-P 212 Citizenship, Civil Rights, and Civic Engagment (3 cr.) 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? RISE=E
- PHST-P 301 History of Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course provides an 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 exist in American society, how philanthropy has remained constant or changed over time, contemporary approaches, and similarities or differences with other cultural contexts.
- PHST-P 323 Donor Motivation I (3 cr.) Explore the elements of working with individual donors across the typical array of annual giving fundraising programs and activities (i.e., 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 focus on either women as donors, diverse ethnic donors, generational donors, workplace donors, or high-net worth donors, and have the opportunity to learn about all of these donor populations from one another. 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.
- PHST-P 220 Introduction to Fundraising (3 cr.) This course describes the elements of nonprofit institutional readiness for fundraising followed by an introduction to the principles and techniques of philanthropic fundraising. The practical, hands-on assignments in this course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of an effective nonprofit organization influence the nonprofit's fundraising readiness and results. Students will develop and strengthen skills that are essential for successful fundraising. The course is structured to simulate a real-world work environment. Students work in teams and learn through designing and developing projects that teach and utilize skills and practices that are foundational to fundraising in the philanthropic sector.
- PHST-P 324 Get the Grant (3 cr.) This course examines the dynamics of fundraising with institutional donors such as corporations, foundations, federated organizations (United Ways, workplace giving funders, etc.), religious congregations, service organizations and associations, giving circles, donor advised funds and other formal donor vehicles. This course will explore the types and missions of institutional donors, provide perspectives and practices for approaching and engaging them, and strategies for developing long-term relationships and collaborations. Special attention will be placed upon ethical and legal considerations related to such donors. Students will draft a funding proposal as the major course assignment.
- PHST-P 370 Learning By Giving (3 cr.) This course offers students the opportunity to combine the theory and practice of strategic philanthropy by granting $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations. This course thus aims to teach grantmaking best practices and to prepare students for work inthe field. This experience will familiarize students with local nonprofit organizations, expose them to local needs, and help them to develop their own grant-making strategy. One of the today's key discussions in the nonprofit sector is how to use strategically limited philanthropic resources in order to spur social change, have an impact, and leverage local resources. The first part of the course will introduce students to the multiple facets of strategic giving. In the second part of the course students will apply this knowledge to their own grant-making strategy.
- PHST-P 375 Philanthropy, Calling, and Community (3 cr.) This course explores the intersections and overlaps among the concepts of calling, community, and the public responsibility of citizens and professionals in a democracy to work together towards the common good. The readings from philosophical and cultural traditions, as well as historical and contemporary biographies, provide the groundwork for students to develop their ideas and have informed deliberations about their personal values, vocation, and commitment to making a difference in the world through their career, profession, or personal lives.
- PHST-P 390 Find a Career in Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course will assist students in developing your job search strategies for seeking internships, part-time and full-time jobs. In so doing, students will reflect upon their values, interests, abilities, and experiences to help clarify and articulate the types of additional experiences they hope to gain through an internship for credit. In this course, students will translate their philanthropic values and civic identity into strategies for increasing capacity to take action, identify career options that align with your philanthropic values and civic identity, critique personal and professional experiences related to philanthropy to inform your future actions and develop job search strategies for seeking internships, part-time and full-time jobs.
- PHST-P 401 Ethics and Values in Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course provides an exploration of the ethical dilemmas and values that arise from philanthropy in contemporary society. The course readings will generate questions and inform discussion on issues such as: What is philanthropy and does it always seek the common good? When is philanthropic activity appropriate or inappropriate? What would it mean for individuals and communities to live philanthropically? Can the perspective of great writers enhance our appreciation and understanding of the value and complexity of philanthropic traditions in modern society?
- PHST-P 410 Lead for Change in a Diverse World (3 cr.) This course examines the complexities of leadership within diverse social, cultural, and global contexts, equipping students with the skills needed to lead inclusively in the philanthropic sector. Through the exploration of cultural competence, equity and inclusion, ethical decision-making, and the impact of social identities, students will learn to navigate diverse organizational settings with sensitivity and effectiveness. Discussions and assignments are designed to directly relate to students' experiences in their concurrent internships, allowing them to analyze and apply course concepts in real-world contexts. Through case studies, group projects, and community engagement, students will develop the adaptive skills necessary for responsive, empathetic leadership in an interconnected world. This course supports students in becoming leaders committed to social justice and positive change across diverse communities.
- PHST-P 450 Capstone Seminar in Philanthropic Leadership (3 cr.) This course will assist graduating seniors to synthesize and demonstrate substaintial knowledge and understanding in their major. Students will integrate what they have learned in Philanthropic Studies and prepare for their future careers, as they interact with professionals in the field and other students who are completing majors in Philanthropic Studies.
- PHST-P 490 Double Major Internship (3-6 cr.) P: PHST-P 390 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. This course is specifically designed for students who plan to double major. RISE=E twice
- PHST-P 495 Readings in Philanthropic Studies (1-6 cr.) This course offers students an opportunity to undertake in-depth research in a topic of their own under the direction of a faculty member chosen by them. Topic and requirements are determined in discussion with the faculty member. Variable credit 1-6 hrs.
- PHST-P 492 Career Prep Internship (6-9 cr.) P: PHST-P 390 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 can choose 6 or 9 credits to work 20-30 hours per week. RISE=E twice