Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies (B.A.)
Students completing the philanthropic studies B.A. program will achieve the following:
1. Understand philanthropic traditions in societies, including:
- Summarizing basic terms (e.g., advocacy, charity, civil society, fund development, nonprofit organization, public policy) in philanthropy
- Connecting key historical events, people, trends, social movements and explaining their influence on philanthropy today.
- Interpreting contemporary events, people, trends, and social movements and placing them in the broader context of philanthropy.
- Examining philanthropic traditions by using a multi-disciplinary perspective (e.g. economics, history, philosophy, psychology, political science, religion, sociology).
- Comparing and contrasting the nature of civil society and philanthropy across traditions, cultures and contexts.
2. Understand ethics, values, norms and motivations in philanthropy, including:
- Defining the meanings of philanthropy.
- Explaining key concepts (e.g., common good, donor intent, moral imagination, reciprocity, stewardship, tolerance, trustee, voluntary action) in philanthropy.
- Explaining the critiques of philanthropy (e.g., philanthropy as social control, tainted money, fundraising fraud and abuses, philanthropy as cultural imperialism).
- Interpreting ethical schools of thought to understand philanthropic activity.
- Clarifying ethical principles in decision making.
- Comparing and contrasting diverse perspectives, motivations, and goals in philanthropy.
3. Understand the role of nonprofit organizations in society, including:
- Identifying the size, scope, types, roles, and limitations of nonprofit organizations.
- Explaining the roles and relationships between sectors in society (e.g., government, nonprofit, for profit, household) in securing resources to address social issues.
- Gathering and analyzing data related to philanthropy (e.g., civil society, community need, giving trends, nonprofit organizations, public policy, social issues, voluntary action).
- Examining theories that explain why nonprofit organizations exist in civil society.
- Explaining the role of social relationships and social movements in philanthropy.
- Evaluating differences in approaches used by nonprofit organizations on the local, national, and global level.
4. Use communication skills effectively for varied audiences, including:
- Explaining the role of communication in philanthropy.
- Using principles of good writing, including accurate citation of sources.
- Demonstrating ability to articulate ideas and produce evidence through writing, visual presentations, speech, and technology.
- Questioning ideas and approaches through discussions, interviews, and research.
- Understanding communication and leadership strategies that are effective for diverse audiences.
5. Use interpersonal skills to address issues, including:
- Describing one’s own position on issues.
- Examining diverse approaches to solving problems.
- Understanding the role of collaboration and teamwork in addressing issues.
- Examining strategies of leadership, teambuilding and consensus-building for addressing issues.
6. Articulate philanthropic values, civic identity, and strategies for increasing capacity to take action:
- Recognizing philanthropic values and civic identity in society.
- Describing one’s own philanthropic autobiography.
- Identifying career options that align with one’s philanthropic values and civic identity.
- Examining personal and professional experiences related to philanthropy through coursework, reflection, and feedback from others.
- Generating and describing ideas and strategies for addressing philanthropic issues.
Last updated: May 2021
