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 an open lecture 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.
The course will be supported by a reader complied from a wide range of books, journals, private papers and studies, with a section related to each class session.
Individual student performance will be measured by assessing class presence and participation in discussion (30 %), completion of a reading response questionnaire for each c lass session (30 %), 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.