At least since the founding of the United States, a central feature of the American Republic has been a supposedly “non-political” sphere in which some of the public’s business is accomplished. This sphere has been variously called the “third sector,” the “non-profit sector,” the “independent sector,” and/or “civil society.” This course is principally devoted to surveying the roots, character, dimensions, problems and achievements of this sphere as it relates to the rise and practice of an American philanthropic tradition. In the context of such an approach, the course also explores the relationship of American philanthropy to three other sectors which are present in the American experience: the sectors of government, business, and the family, which may be likewise categorized as the political, the economic and the household sectors.
The course takes place over five summer weeks, meeting each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Classroom activity is framed around three approaches each evening. The instructor will present a lecture/commentary focused on the subject of the day; students will engage with each other and the instructor in discussion of a key “case study” or essay focused on the subject(s) of the day and; a guest presenter with expertise in the subject(s) under discussion will join the class for further interactive exploration. Our guests will be drawn from Austin and Texas non-profit and philanthropic leaders.
The course will be supported by readings complied from a wide range of books, journals, private papers and studies, with a materials related to each class session. In addition, a basic course text will provide support for and required readings related to the course. This text is The Non Profit Sector: A research Handbook ( Yale University Press: New Haven / 2006 )
Individual student performance will be measured by assessing general class presence and participation in discussion (30 %); participation in leading discussion of one of the assigned evening readings ( 15% ); completion of a personal “ philanthropic autobiography “ ( 15 %) ; and writing an 8-10 page essay on the current role of philanthropy in American society (40 %). These papers may focus on one of the ten major class subjects, or may select a contemporary problem in which American philanthropy is making a significant investment/effort.
This course is cross-listed with SW 395K. LBJ is the home department.