THE NONPROFIT SECTOR: SCOPE & IMPACT

This course introduces students to the roles the nonprofit sector plays in providing for social needs, such as healthcare, education, and basic needs.  Throughout this course, we will also grapple with the ethical questions inherent in these pursuits, including the challenge of tainted money, participatory grantmaking, social impact, and the politicization of nonprofit organizations. The course will also explore distinctions, similarities and relationships among the nonprofit, government, and for-profit sectors. The course examines the parameters of the United States’ nonprofit sector and philanthropic practice, with some opportunity for global comparison.  

The course will require students to utilize and reflect critical and analytical thinking; students will write individual papers, actively participate in discussion both in class and through postings on Canvas and present material to classroom colleagues.  This full-semester course is required the first semester of study.