Undergraduate Courses
- 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. PUL=6; RISE=S
- PHST-P 201 Introduction to Philanthropic Studies (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. PUL=5; RISE=S
- PHST-P 210 Philanthropy and the Social Sciences (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. PUL=5
- PHST-P 211 Philanthropy and the Humanities (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. PUL=6
- PHST-P 212 Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (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? PUL=1; RISE=E
- PHST-P 301 The History of and Contemporary Approaches to 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. PUL=2
- PHST-P 330 Topics in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
This variable topics course introduces students to the philanthropic tradition in American culture and involves students through active participation in philanthropy. Students explore values, traditions, and social frameworks surrounding philanthropy in American history, discuss current issues related to giving, volunteerism, and the nonprofit sector, and reflect upon their personal service experiences and commitment to working with others to advance the common good. Students are actively engaged through service-learning or experiential learning. PUL=2; RISE=S
- 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. PUL=6
- 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? PUL=6
- PHST-P 430 Topics in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
This variable topics course focuses in depth on a particular topic related to the historical or contemporary context(s) for philanthropy. Students explore and critically examine various contextual and cultural approaches for philanthropic action. Through independent research, students further their inquiry into the topic and generate new ideas related to improving philanthropy and its practice. PUL=4; RISE=R
- PHST-P 450 Capstone Seminar in Philanthropic Studies (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. PUL=4
- PHST-P 490 Internship in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
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. PUL=3; RISE=E
- 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.)