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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.) Thiscourse 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 370 Learning By Giving (3 cr.) This course offers students the opportunity to combine the theory and practice of strategic philanthropy by granting $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations. This course thus aims to teach grantmaking best practices and to prepare students for work inthe field. This experience will familiarize students with local nonprofit organizations, expose them to local needs, and help them to develop their own grant-making strategy. One of the today's key discussions in the nonprofit sector is how to use strategically limited philanthropic resources in order to spur social change, have an impact, and leverage local resources. The first part of the course will introduce students to the multiple facets of strategic giving. In the second part of the course students will apply this knowledge to their own grant-making strategy. PUL=3
  • 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.
Graduate Courses
  • PHST-P 515 History of Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course examines traditions of giving and receiving charity and philanthropy in the modern era. It takes a comparative approach to giving including different historical contexts and traditions. Among the topics covered will be donor motivations, definitions of need, identity formation, and philanthropy, politics and social change.
  • PHST-P 518 History of International Humanitarian Assistance (3 cr.) This course covers the history of international humanitarian assistance during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its focus is on the movements and activities that developed in wealthier countries (Europe and the U.S.) during this period which attempted to help those in other lands in need of assistance (e.g., food, shelter, medical care). These needs arose from a variety of causes, both natural and man-made, such as famine, flood, epidemics, earthquakes and volcanoes as well as wars and government oppression. The responses took many forms, governmental and non-governmental, in a world that underwent very dramatic changes during the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • PHST-P 521 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.) Students examine issues of why people organize, give, and donate time; theories of the sector; policy formulation in the sector, etc., with the objective of becoming “philanthropically literate.” The preferred first course in the M.A. program.
  • PHST-P 524 Civil Society and Philanthropy (3 cr.) The course explores the relationship of civil society to the state, how the nonprofit sector affects the state, and how the state regulates the sector. A continuing theme is how and whether the state and philanthropic institutions make civil investments in strengthening civil society.
  • PHST-P 527 Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy (3 cr.) Examines cross-cultural research on philanthropy and pursues critical inquiry into the historical and cultural implications of philanthropy. The course focuses on the diverse system of giving and serving within philanthropy traditions in the United States and around the world.
  • PHST-P 530 Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy (3 cr.) Students examine the role of nonprofit organizations (universities, churches, hospitals, orchestras, charities, day care, research, nursing homes) in mixed economies. Public policy controversies such as regulation of fundraising, antitrust against universities, ‘‘unfair’’ competition with for-profit firms, and the tax treatment of donations are considered. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Ethics and Values in Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course reflects an inquiry into the ethics and values of philanthropy rooted in a general understanding of philanthropy, as voluntary action for the public good, as an ethical ideal. Students consider philanthropic activity in light of this ideal. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Community Foundations (3 cr.) This course will explore such areas as the role of and challenges facing community foundations and community philanthropy in Indiana and beyond; place-based giving in identity-focused groups, looking at Muslim community foundations and philanthropy; U.S. and comparative developments in the regulation and self-regulation of community foundations, including the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations; private and community foundation funding or the growth and diversity of the community foundation movement; challenges to community foundation from other economic and charitable actors; and other topics. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Philanthropy Ethics–East and West (3 cr.) This course provides a graduate-level introduction to philanthropy ethics in comparative perspective, focusing on China and the United States. In addition to their in-person classes, students from Indiana University and Sun Yat-sen University will engage in discussion via Course Networking. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Religion and Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course explores three relationships between people’s religious traditions and their philanthropic ideas and activities: 1) how diverse religious traditions have shaped distinctive philanthropic practices, 2) how political, economic and social forces have structured religious philanthropy, and 3) how competing visions of good lives and a good society have played out in the give and take of religious philanthropy. In examining the normative models of giving and service through a variety of religious traditions, we will analyze how religious narratives, practices, teachings and authorities have shaped people’s generosity and humanitarianism. In studying religious philanthropy in particular historical contexts, we will explore how religious philanthropy has been influenced by secular states and market economies, transforming religious traditions and communities along the way. In observing the tensions between the purposes of givers and takers, we will locate religious philanthropy in the world of social action so as to assess claims about the uniquely selfless, altruistic or civic nature of religious philanthropy. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 The Equity and Effectiveness of Philanthropy (3 cr.) What do we know about the experience of receiving help? What is it like for someone to walk in the door of a homeless shelter, a legal aid clinic, or a job training program and ask for help? How much do we really know about the experiences of those who motivate us to start a nonprofit, donate money, or volunteer time? While we have spent a lot of time studying those who give and the experience of those giving, we know far less about the experience of those receiving this help. This course draws on literature from anthropology, sociology, social psychology, and political science to examine the experience of receiving help. We will tease out when giving help is effective, why it’s often ineffective or less effective than it could be and then consider the implications for nonprofit management and public policy. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Philanthropy and Public Policy: The German Context (3 cr.) The study-abroad program provides students with a first-hand learning experience in philanthropy and public policy. Students will have the opportunity to learn from German professors, researchers, policy-makers, and leaders from the nonprofit sector. Students will visit state and federal agencies, local nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and philanthropic foundations. Germany has one of the largest nonprofit sectors in the world. It provides a great model of philanthropy and public policy because most basic needs are met through its extensive social welfare policies, thus leaving philanthropic organizations to concentrate on community building and social innovation. At the center of debates surrounding globalization, environmental change, European integration and humanitarian aid, Berlin provides the opportunity to explore many global trends. After daily morning lectures on current European Public Policy issues, students take afternoon field trips to leading policy institutions, philanthropic organizations, and governmental agencies in Berlin. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Altruism and Health (3 cr.) Does giving lead to better living? Or is caring wearing? What are the psychological and physical health consequences of prosocial versus more self-interested traits and behaviors? This course examines how extremes of self and other-focus affect both psychological and physical health outcomes. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 530 Diversity and Culturally-Responsive Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course will cover giving traditions of various ethnic groups and examine current practices in the philanthropic field through a culturally-responsive lens. A deep dive into the histories of these groups and their struggles for representation, validation, and justice will undergird our journey through relevant literature and scholarly works. May be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
  • PHST-P 534 Gender and Philanthropy (3 cr.) This course provides a broad overview and deeper understanding of giving and volunteering by gender from multiple perspectives, and how this knowledge can be applied across the nonprofit sector today. As the 21st century unfolds, nonprofit practitioners – whether CEO, fundraiser, board member, or volunteer – and donors must recognize that neither philanthropy nor fundraising follow a one-size-fits-all format. Woven throughout this curriculum are examples of how women exercise their power and influence in philanthropy.
  • PHST-P 535 Law of Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.) This seminar examines aspects of the legal regulation of nonprofit organizations. Topics include the formation, operation, and governance of nonprofit organizations, duties and liability of officers and directors, charitable solicitation, tax-exempt status for public benefit and mutual benefit organizations, charitable contributions, political activities, foundations, membership organizations, and religious organizations.
  • PHST-P 556 Grant Making and the Role of Foundations (3 cr.) This course explores questions of legitimacy, effectiveness, and accountability among U.S. philanthropic foundations. Students will explore the role of foundations in society, how roles are successfully fulfilled, how role fulfillment is measured, and what current trends in foundation philanthropy might mean for the future of local and global philanthropy.
  • PHST-P 558 Principles and Practices of Fundraising (3 cr.) The course covers the salient aspects of the fundraising process as organized carried out by nonprofit organizations – its base of core values, preparing a case for philanthropic support, relevant techniques and strategies, assessing potential sources of support, effective engagement of human resources, and process management. The course includes relevant theory to undergird practice, examination and analysis of current practice, proposal of practice standards, and discussion and examination of ethical problems in fundraising.
  • PHST-P 590 Internship/Directed Off-Site Study (3 cr.) A course for the advanced student of philanthropy. Students work 10 hours per week for a nonprofit organization, applying knowledge gained in earlier courses to practical situations. Requirements include a journal and a substantial paper.
  • PHST-P 600 M.A. Thesis in Philanthropic Studies (3 or 6 cr.)
  • PHST-P 602 Qualitative Methods in the Third Sector (3 cr.) This course will introduce students to qualitative inquiry. The readings and assignments are designed to introduce the key issues social scientists must consider when employing qualitative methods to understand complex social phenomena.
  • PHST-P 662 Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Philanthropy (3 cr.) The course introduces students to the history of philanthropy in the United States in a comparative perspective. The course focuses on developments from the Poor Laws in England through the modern nonprofit sector.
  • PHST-P 664 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations in Society I (3 cr.) This course is the first half of a two-course sequence, followed by PHST P665. These required courses provide a broad overview of core findings about philanthropy and nonprofit organizations from the various social science and management disciplines, along with more focused examination of selected active research topics. Students whose doctoral minor and intended thesis topic lie in the humanities will enhance their crossand multi-disciplinary literacy. The goal for these students is to prepare them to teach a broad range of courses in future academic employment. Others will receive an overview, with selected topics covered in depth, designed to prepare them for a career conducting and/or using social scientific and/or management research.
  • PHST-P 665 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations in Society II (1-3 cr.) This course is the second half of a two-course sequence intended to prepare students for research, teaching, and service in the third sector. Students will read foundational literature and current research from economics, political science, sociology, and pyschology that will inform their doctoral studies and help identify a research project that has the potential to further knowledge in the field. In addition to the content of the course, the assignments are intended to support students’ development as critical scholars in the inter-disciplinary field of philanthropic studies. This includes learning how to evaluate empirical research, how to write for a variety of audiences, and how to leverage disciplinary perspectives to pose new questions.
  • PHST-P 690 Quantitative Behavioral Research Methods (1-3 cr.) P: One semester of M.A. course work. Quantitative research is a process that involves collaboration, inspiration, creativity, wit, logic, concentration, flexibility, and perseverance. In this course, we will review how and why quantitative behavioral research is conducted, practice and develop research and writing skills, and learn how to work closely with others. May be repeated once with approval by the chair of philanthropic studies.
  • PHST-P 790 Research Seminar in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.) This course provides an overview of research methods, issues, and tools, synthesizes the ways of knowing, and assesses forces that affect the conduct and use of knowledge in philanthropic studies. Multiple disciplinary perspectives and contemporary theoretical foundations of philanthropic studies are used to design and critique potential research projects. Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods approaches to research design are examined. The end goal is for the student to prepare her/his research prospectus.
  • PHST-P 890 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12 cr.) Research and writing dissertation.
  • PHST-P 660 Ethical, Moral, and Religious Aspects of Philanthropy (3 cr.) This doctoral seminar focuses on the major ethical and moral texts that explain and justify philanthropy. Emphasis is placed on the philosophy of philanthropy in comparative perspective, world traditions of social and religious conditions, and moral issues raised in philanthropic practice.