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GOVT 490‐002: Civil Society, Philanthropy and Nonprofits Fall 2012 Wednesdays 4:30‐7:10 University Hall 1204 3 Credits Office Hours Thursdays 4:00‐6:00 (Arlington Campus or by appointment) Professor Lehn M. Benjamin Department of Public and International Affairs George Mason University Arlington, Truland Building Room 217 [email protected] 703‐993‐8240 COURSE DESCRIPTION It is impossible to comprehend American society and American public policy without examining the nonprofit sector (America’s Nonprofit Sector, Salamon 1999: 8). This course introduces you to the nonprofit sector and attending ideas of civil society and philanthropy. By the end of the course you will understand: i) Why we have a nonprofit sector ii) How nonprofits can contribute to a democratic society and iii) How nonprofits partner with government and for‐profit firms to tackle some of the most pressing problems we face today While the content of the course focuses on the nonprofit sector, the course is a synthesis course and also fulfills the upper level writing intensive requirement for undergraduates. Synthesis courses provide you with the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge, skills and values gained from the general education curriculum. With this goal in mind, this course draws on work from political science, sociology, history and economics. The goal of a writing intensive course is to use writing to think more critically and creatively. In this course, you will submit weekly response essays, write one 5 page case analysis and then write a longer 10 page research paper. You will have a chance to get feedback and revise the research paper. REQUIRED COURSE MATERIAL 1. Hodgkinson, Virginia A. and Michael W. Foley (Eds). 2003. The Civil Society Reader. Tufts University Press. 2. Salamon, Lester M. 2012. The State of Nonprofit America. Brookings Institution Press 3. Choose one of the following: a) Industrial Areas Foundation. Warren, Mark. R. 2002. Dry Bones Rattling: Community Building to Revitalize American Democracy. Princeton University Press. (Chapters 1,2,3,4,7,8) b) Doctors Without Borders. Morely, David. Healing our World. Inside Doctors Without Borders. c) Amnesty International Hopwood, Stephan. 2006. Keepers of the Flame: Understanding Amnesty International. Cornell University Press. ALL OTHER REQUIRED READINGS AVAILABLE ON BLACKBOARD
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COURSE FORMAT The class is discussion based. It requires that you to complete the readings prior to class and come ready to discuss these readings. Lectures are used to introduce topics and to address questions and clarify points. To explore the readings in more depth we will use cases, films and press articles throughout the semester. In addition we will have in class quizzes. These quizzes will be graded and used to identify topics and issues that require more explanation. COURSE SCHEDULE WEEK ONE. August 29: Course Introduction. WEEK TWO. September 5: Scope, Definitions, and Concepts Required Reading: Chapter 1 in Nonprofit America. Choose one chapter between Chapters 2 and 8 in Nonprofit America. What are nonprofits and what do they do? Are they the same as civil society, part of it or something else? This week we will explore these questions. To get you thinking about these questions, take a look at some nonprofits. i) choose an issue (health, environment, arts) i) Go to Guidestar.org. ii) Register. iii) Choose three nonprofits in this issue area from your home town and describe: When were they established? What is the purpose of the organization? What do they do? Consider these nonprofits in light of the chapters in Nonprofit America. WEEK THREE. September 12. History and Evolution of the Sector Required Reading: Hall, Peter Dobkin. 2006. Historical Perspectives on Nonprofit Organizations in the United States. Chapter 2 in the The Nonprofit Sector: A Research Handbook. 2nd Edition. Yale University Press. This week we will be addressing questions such as: Why do we have nonprofits? How did the nonprofit sector develop in the United States? What were the key concerns and debates early on and are these still concerns today? In the course of our discussion we will cover two dominant theories about the existence of nonprofits: market failure theory and government failure theory. You will be assigned a specific event in history and expected to research this event, write a two page summary of your findings and share your findings with the class. WEEK FOUR. September 19: Altruism, Charity and Philanthropy Required Reading: Monroe, Kristen Renwick. 1994. A Fat Lady in a Corset: Altruism and Social Theory. American Journal of Political Science. 38(4): 861‐893. Wagner, David. 2000. Chapter 4 “For the Greater Glory of the Rich” in What’s Love Got to do with it? A Critical Look at American Charity. New York: New Press. Altruism, charity and philanthropy are fundamental concept underlying many conversations about nonprofit organizations today. This week we will explore questions such as: Why do we act Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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altruistically? How do we reconcile altruistic behavior with dominant images of humans as primarily self‐interested? Why are nonprofits seen as important vehicles for supporting and encouraging altruistic behavior? Consider your own experience donating or volunteering or the experience of others you know in light of this week’s readings. In class film: We will view “Dr. James Orbinski’s Humanitarian Dilemma” and consider how his work and experience with Doctors Without Borders illustrates some of the key concepts raised in this weeks readings. WEEK FIVE. September 26. Social Capital & Civic Engagement Required Reading: De Tocqueville, Alexis. Democracy in America; Chapter 9 in The Civil Society Reader. New Lebanon NH: Tufts University. University Press of New England. Putnam, Robert D. Making Democracy Work, Chapter 21, in The Civil Society Reader. New Lebanon NH: Tufts University. University Press of New England. Evans, Sara and Harry Boyte. Free Spaces, Chapter 17 in The Civil Society Reader. New Lebanon NH: Tufts University. University Press of New England. Eisenberg, Pablo. 2004. Citizen Engagement: The Nonprofit Challenge. The Nonprofit Quarterly, Winter. 32, 34, 36‐37. Nonprofits have made important contributions to a vibrant democracy: they provide spaces for developing social capital, they offer opportunities for citizens to develop civic habits and they can be ‘free spaces’ where marginalized communities can come together to push for policies that ensure everyone is included in the democratic system. But what do these concepts mean: social capital, civic habits and free spaces? Are nonprofits contributing to building social capital and civic habits? How? Have you ever gotten involved in ‘solving a public problem’ on campus or in your neighborhood? In what way does your experience resonate with the readings and in what way does it not? In class film: We will view “Saul Alinsky and His Legacy” and consider how organizations like the Industrial Areas Foundation work to engage citizens. WEEK SIX. October 3. Case Analysis CASE ANALYSIS PAPER DUE CASE PRESENTATION. Come prepared to share the findings of your analysis. WEEK SEVEN. October 10. Relationship to the State. Part I. Partners in Public Service Required Reading: Chapter 15 in the State of Nonprofit America “Clash of Values: Government Funding for the Arts and Religion”. Chapter 9 in Nonprofits & Government: Collaboration or Conflict. Washington D.C.: Urban Institute Press. In the mid 1980s, then President Ronald Reagan argued for cutting government spending on social services, in part because it stymied charitable efforts. Looking at the data on nonprofit funding, the Urban Institute’s Salamon and Abramson countered that claim and showed how inter‐dependent the public and nonprofit sectors were in providing social services and meeting public objectives. This week Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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we will be looking at how nonprofits partner with government. We will address such questions as: What are the challenges and synergies of this partnership? What types of nonprofits receive the most substantial support from government to address social problems? DUE ANALYSIS 1: Conduct some initial research: Do your 6 nonprofits receive government funds to address some need? How much of their support is coming from government sources? What might be the pros and cons of such support? If your nonprofits are not receiving government support, why might that be the case? You will share your analysis in class and hand in a copy at the end of class. WEEK EIGHT. October 17. Relationship to the State. Part II. Advocates and Watchdogs Required Reading: “Civic Participation and Advocacy” Chapter 10 in The State of Nonprofit America. “Global Network to Curb Corruption: The Experience of Transparency International” Chapter 2 in The Third Force: The Rise of Transnational Civil Society. Washington D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Berry, Jeffry M. 2003. “Nonprofits as Interest Groups”. Chapter 2 in A Voice for Nonprofits. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institution Press. In addition to partnering with government to address human need, nonprofits also play a role in ensuring that government is responsive to citizens: whether this is pushing for greater transparency of government processes or advocating for policies that redress inequities to ensure an inclusive democracy or better align with particular interests. However, nonprofits, specifically 501c4s, have now become a vehicle for funding political campaign ads as a consequence of the Supreme Court’s Citizen United Decision. This week we will look at the role of nonprofits in the policy process, as both watchdogs and advocates. We will also examine the difference between public issue advocacy and political campaign lobbying. Key questions include: How have nonprofits advocated for change? Around what issues and with what impact? What are the limits to nonprofit advocacy? Is there a difference between nonprofit advocacy and interest group lobbying? We will watch two videos: A news story on 504c nonprofits and a video on Transparency International. http://www.youtube.com/user/TransparencyIntl http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7418620n&tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;flexGridModule DUE ANALYSIS 2: Conduct some initial research: Are your 6 nonprofits advocating for an issue or cause? What are they advocating for and how? You will share your analysis in class and hand in a copy at the end of class WEEK NINE. October 24. Relationship to the Market. Part I. Partnering with Corporations Required Reading: Andreasen, Alan R. 2009. Cross‐Sector Marketing Alliances: Partnerships, Sponsorships and Cause‐ Related Marketing, Chapter 6 in Nonprofits and Business. Urban Institute Press CASE: Susan G. Komen Foundation. http://ww5.komen.org/ o Eickenberry, Angela. M. The Hidden Costs of Cause Marketing. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Summer 2009 o King, Samantha. 2001. An All Consuming Cause: Breast Cancer, Corporate Philanthropy and the Market for Generosity. Social Text 69. Vol. 19 (4). Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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Bloom, Paul et al. 2006. How Social Cause Marketing Affects Consumer Perceptions. MIT Sloan Management Review. Winter
Nonprofit organizations partner with corporations in various ways: to raise money, to achieve philanthropic goals, to innovate and to achieve political objectives. At times, these partnerships have been highly effective and mutually beneficial but they have also raised a number of concerns. What are the pros and cons of partnering with corporations generally? Of using cause‐related marketing strategies specifically? DUE ANALYSIS 4: Conduct some initial research. Are your 6 nonprofits partnering with corporations? How? What are some of the pros and cons of this strategy for your nonprofits? WEEK TEN. October 31st. Relationship to the Market. Part II. Social Entrepreneurship and Commercial Activity Required Reading: Chapter 14 in the State of Nonprofit America Martin, Roger L and Sally Osberg. 2007. Social Entrepreneurship: the Case for Definition. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Spring. Foster, William and Jeffrey Bradach. 2005. Should Nonprofit Seek Profits? Harvard Business Review, February: 1‐9. (NOTE: this reading is not on electronic reserve. You must go and download it yourself) This week we will be looking at another dimension of nonprofits’ relationship to the market: the adoption of business like practices and the growing commercialization in the sector. Cuts in government spending and insufficient donations spurred many nonprofits to look at how they could supplement their income with earned revenue. Earned revenue gives nonprofits the operating income they so desperately need as well as some flexibility in the use of this income, which is often lacking with grants and contracts. At the same time commercialization of the sector has raised concerns about nonprofits charitable role and their ability to serve the poor. We will explore one question: How does earned income further the mission of the nonprofit and how might it work against mission fulfillment? DUE ANALYSIS 3: Conduct some initial research: Are your 6 nonprofits earning revenue through the sale of goods and services? What might be some of the pros and cons of this strategy for your nonprofit? You will share your analysis in class and hand in a copy at the end of class. WEEK ELEVEN. November 7. Private Philanthropy: Foundations and Individual Giving Foundation Center. 2004. What is a Foundation? Chapter 1 In Foundation Fundamentals: A Guide for Grantseekers. NY: Foundation Center. Sealander, Judith. 2003. “Curing Evils at Their Source: The Arrival of Scientific Giving” Chapter 10 in Charity, Philanthropy and Civility in American History. Cambridge University Press. Aksartova, Sada. 2010. Promoting Civil Society or Diffusing NGOS? U.S. Donors in the Former Soviet Union. Chapter 7 in Globalization, Philanthropy and Civil Society: Projecting Institutional Logics Abroad. Indiana University Press. Look at individual giving in your home state: http://philanthropy.com/section/How‐America‐ Gives/621/ Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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Our legal and regulatory frameworks support charitable efforts, including allowing individuals to set up a foundation, where they can place their wealth indefinitely for a specified charitable purpose. The Foundation Center puts the number of grantmaking foundations at more than 76,000, giving an estimated $45.7 billion in 2010. Prominent foundations include the Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, Rockefeller, Sage and Hewlett Foundation, among others. Yet as we saw in our brief look at the historical development of the sector, the effort to establish foundations took some time and certainly was not without controversy. We will only be able to scratch the surface of the extensive material available on foundations. This week we will look at: What do these organizations do? What has been their role and contribution to democratic society? How have their efforts contributed to desired change as well as worked against such change? DUE ANALYSIS 5: Conduct some initial research. Do your individual nonprofits receive support from Foundations? How dependent are they on individual giving? Look at their home page; how do they use their webpage to appeal to individual donors? What are the pros and cons of private philanthropic support for nonprofits? WEEK TWELVE. November 14. FINALIZE DRAFT PAPERS NO CLASS. EMAIL DRAFT PAPERS by 7:00. WEEK THIRTEEN. November 22, 2006. THANKSGIVING WEEK FOURTEEN. November 29, 2006. Nonprofits on the Global Stage. Required Reading: Lewis, David. 2001. “NGOs and Development.” Chapter 3.in The Management of Non‐ Governmental Organizations. Routledge: Oxford and NY. Chapter 8 in the State of Nonprofit America. Most of the course has been spent discussing nonprofits in the context of the U.S. Yet, many U.S. nonprofits work overseas and partner with local organizations to address issues in that country or form coalitions to work on global issues like human rights, land mines, human trafficking and so on. These partnerships have been very effective but at times U.S. nonprofits have been challenged to balance donor agendas rather than local concerns and perspectives. While this tension is not unique to internationally focused nonprofits, this tension can be more acute given differences in language, culture and so on. This makes the work of U.S. international NGOs particularly challenging: How can and do U.S. nonprofits that work internationally effectively, balancing funder priorities with local concerns? How do they partner with local organizations in other countries? What are the constraints that may work against such partnerships? We will have two guest speakers from organizations that have reputations for doing this work well. WEEK FIFTEEN. December 6. WRAP UP AND WAY FORWARD TBD FINAL PAPERS ARE DUE DECEMBER 13TH.
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COURSE ASSIGNMENTS and EVALUATION This course fulfills the Writing Intensive requirement in the Government major. It does so by asking you to write a case analysis of 5 pages (1500 words) and a research paper of 10‐12 pages (2000‐3,000 words). The research paper will be completed through a draft/feedback/revision process. You will receive feedback from the instructor. The first draft will be due November 15; I will provide formative feedback on the draft, and the revised draft will be due on December 12th. I will provide summative grade on the final paper. Grades earned for major course products and your final grade will be calculated using the following: Percentage Grade Percentage Grade 93‐100% A 77‐79% C+ 90‐92% A‐ 73‐76% C 87‐89% B+ 70‐72% C‐ 83‐86% B 65‐69% D 80‐82% B‐ 0‐64% F a. Class Participation (10% of the final grade) This course is structured as a seminar. Participation will be a critical and an important part of how you will be evaluated. Effective participation depends on a variety of skills including: active listening, respect and openness to everyone’s ideas and contributions, concise questioning and purposeful discussion. b. 4 Quizzes (20% of the final grade) Four times during the semester you will be tested on the course content. Each quiz will include fill in the blank, multiple choice and short response and ask you about key concepts from the weeks readings. The purpose of the quiz is to ensure you are keeping up with the reading and grasping key concepts. You will receive additional information on the quizzes in class. c. Nonprofit Case Analysis (20% of the final grade). Due October 18th at 4:30. You will read one book about a nonprofit organization and examine how this nonprofit illustrates the key issues and concepts discussed in weeks 3‐5. The purpose of this analysis is to apply the course concepts and ideas to a real example. This will help you see how nonprofits live up to some of the ideals we hear in policy circles as well as the limitations of those ideals. This will require reading the book as well as conducting additional research about the organization (via the web). You will write a 5 page case analysis (1500 words) of this organization and then be expected to present this analysis in class. Case Analysis Paper. (15% of your final grade). Basic Paper Structure I. Introduce the Nonprofit. What is the purpose/mission of the organization? Who does it serve? What does it to achieve this purpose? II. History of the Nonprofit. When was it founded, why, and how has it changed over the years? III. Altruism. Does the organization encourage altruistic and philanthropic behavior? How? What evidence is there? Do you also see evidence of self‐interest? IV. Civic Engagement. Does the organization build social capital? Help individuals develop civic habits? Provide free spaces? How? What evidence is there? IV. Conclusion.
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Case Analysis Presentation (5% of the final grade). TBD (depending on the books selected and number of students) d. Research Report (50% of the final grade). (See Due Dates Below) You will be asked to pick an issue you care about, research the activity and work of nonprofits in that area, and analyze how these nonprofits relate to the state and market. The purpose of the research paper is to apply the course concepts and ideas covered in weeks 7‐11 to a set of nonprofits in an issue area that you care about. This application will help you better understand the readings and how real nonprofits work to address problems in partnership with government, corporate partners, foundations and individuals. You will complete the research paper in steps. Each step is a percentage of your grade. You will receive more detailed instructions later in the course. Date Required Submission % of your grade 9/20 Step I. Topic and Nonprofit Profiles 5% 10/25 Step II. Annotated Bibliography. 5% Weeks Step III. Analysis (this will be presented and 5% 7‐11 analyzed in class and then you will hand in a copy of your analysis at the end of the class) 11/14 Step IV. Draft of your paper 15% 12/13 Step V. Final Paper (10 pages 3,000 words) 20% TOTAL 50% COURSE COMMUNICATION Changes to the course schedule, reading assignments and other important information will be announced during class and sent to your GMU email address. Be sure to check your email account regularly for information. If you have questions or concerns about the course or the material, do not hesitate to talk to me. If you don’t understand something, ask me about it. You are welcome to come see me during my office hours. If you cannot make office hours, we can arrange for an individual appointment by phone or in person. Email is the best way to get in touch with me. If you do send an e‐ mail, include GOVT 490 in the subject header. I will make every attempt to get back to you within 2 days. CLASSROOM CONDUCT Arrive to class on time every day. Silence your cell phones and other electronic devices and stay off of them. Texting, checking your Facebook page and talking in the classroom is distracting and frustrating for others. If you must do this, leave the room or wait until the break. Ask questions about the material and take thorough notes in class. Go back over the readings after class if necessary, to make sure you are clear about the arguments and concepts. Fully document all sources you use in your papers and abide by standards of academic honesty. Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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ATTENDANCE You must let me know if they will miss a class. If you miss a class, it is YOUR responsibility to collect handouts, notes, new deadlines, etc. from classmates. Please don’t ask me what you missed before talking to a classmate first. LATE ASSIGNMENTS Late assignments will be penalized a grade per day (an A paper will become A‐ after 1 day, B+ after 2 days, etc.), unless arrangements are made ahead of time. Late papers should be either hand‐delivered or emailed to me. ACADEMIC INTEGRTIY All graded work is to be completed independently. You are expected to abide by the GMU Honor Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (see http://academicintegrity.gmu.edu/honorcode/ for detailed information). Suspected cases of plagiarism may be evaluated using anti‐plagiarism software. Instructors are required to report all violations of the Honor Code to the GMU Honor Committee. Violations will likely result in a failing grade for the assignment and may result in a failing grade for the course, plus any additional penalties determined by the committee, including dismissal from the University. Please be sure that the work you submit to class is your own, and that you provide proper citations when referencing another person’s words or ideas. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office for Disability Services at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office. ADD/DROP and WITHDRAWAL The deadlines for courses that last the whole semester are given below. These dates differ for courses that meet less than the full semester. See the Schedule of Classes for those dates. Last day to drop with no tuition penalty: **September 4 Last day to add classes: **September 4 Last day to drop with no academic liability and some payment refund: **September 28
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SUMMARY OF CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS Date Topic 8/29 Introduction and Overview 9/5 Scope and Definitions 9/12 History and Evolution 9/19 Altruism, Charity and Philanthropy
Assignment Due Part I. Research Paper (Profiles of 6 nonprofits)
9/26 10/3
Social Capital and Civic Engagement
10/10 10/18
Relationship to the State. I Relationship to the State II
Nonprofit Case Analysis Paper and Presentation Analysis 1 due Analysis 2 due
10/25
Relationship to the Market I
Analysis 3 due
Part II. Research Paper (Annotated Bibliography)
10/31 11/7
Relationship to the Market II Private Philanthropy: Foundations and Individual Giving NO CLASS – FINALIZE PAPERS THANKSGIVING Nonprofits on the Global Stage Wrap up FINAL PAPERS ARE DUE
Analysis 4 due Analysis 5 due
11/14 DRAFT PAPERS ARE DUE 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 JOURNAL AND PERIODICAL RESOURCES The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Washington, DC: The Chronicle of Philanthropy. (Published biweekly). The latest issues in philanthropic activity from case histories and people in the profession to statistical data on major contributions are covered in this newspaper. Sections can include fundraising, giving, foundations, corporations, marketing, management, volunteering, grants, international fundraising activities, and many other areas of philanthropy. New Directions for Philanthropic Fundraising. San Francisco, CA: Jossey‐Bass, Inc. (Published quarterly). In each quarterly paperback, authors address themes related to fundraising management and technique, always keeping in mind the values of voluntarism and public benefit that characterizes philanthropic organizations. The journal is sponsored by the Indiana University Nonprofit Management and Leadership (NM&L). San Francisco, CA: Jossey‐Bass, Inc. (Published quarterly). Provides latest developments in theory and practice of nonprofit management; includes articles, features, book reviews, research reports, and updates on professional conferences. The Nonprofit Quarterly. Boston, MA: Third Sector New England. (Published quarterly). This publication strives to provide nonprofit leaders a forum to exchange innovative ideas and informational resources. Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly (NVSQ). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. (Published quarterly). The journal of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), this is an international, interdisciplinary publication that reports on research and programs related to voluntarism, citizen participation, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations. Philanthropy. Washington, DC: Philanthropy Roundtable. (Six issues are published yearly). Informative coverage of issues facing the field; discusses current issues in philanthropy. Philanthropy Matters. Indianapolis, IN: The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. A publication of the Center on Philanthropy that includes news and reports on research as well as articles of interest to nonprofit sector personnel and academicians. Philanthropy News Digest. New York, NY: The Foundation Center. (Published weekly). News digest with feature articles, columns and departmental news produced by the leading source of foundation information. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Stanford, CA: Stanford GSB. (Published Quarterly). Strategies, tools and ideas for nonprofit organizations, foundations and socially responsible businesses. Voluntas. Dordrecht, the Netherlands: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishing Corporation. (Published quarterly). International journal of voluntary and nonprofit organizations. The leading international journal for research on the area between the state, the market and households. It is essential reading for all social science scholars who have an interest in public policy.
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COURSE FORMAT The class is discussion based. It requires that you to complete the readings prior to class and come ready to discuss these readings. Lectures are used to introduce topics and to address questions and clarify points. To explore the readings in more depth we will use cases, films and press articles throughout the semester. In addition we will have in class quizzes. These quizzes will be graded and used to identify topics and issues that require more explanation. COURSE SCHEDULE WEEK ONE. August 29: Course Introduction. WEEK TWO. September 5: Scope, Definitions, and Concepts Required Reading: Chapter 1 in Nonprofit America. Choose one chapter between Chapters 2 and 8 in Nonprofit America. What are nonprofits and what do they do? Are they the same as civil society, part of it or something else? This week we will explore these questions. To get you thinking about these questions, take a look at some nonprofits. i) choose an issue (health, environment, arts) i) Go to Guidestar.org. ii) Register. iii) Choose three nonprofits in this issue area from your home town and describe: When were they established? What is the purpose of the organization? What do they do? Consider these nonprofits in light of the chapters in Nonprofit America. WEEK THREE. September 12. History and Evolution of the Sector Required Reading: Hall, Peter Dobkin. 2006. Historical Perspectives on Nonprofit Organizations in the United States. Chapter 2 in the The Nonprofit Sector: A Research Handbook. 2nd Edition. Yale University Press. This week we will be addressing questions such as: Why do we have nonprofits? How did the nonprofit sector develop in the United States? What were the key concerns and debates early on and are these still concerns today? In the course of our discussion we will cover two dominant theories about the existence of nonprofits: market failure theory and government failure theory. You will be assigned a specific event in history and expected to research this event, write a two page summary of your findings and share your findings with the class. WEEK FOUR. September 19: Altruism, Charity and Philanthropy Required Reading: Monroe, Kristen Renwick. 1994. A Fat Lady in a Corset: Altruism and Social Theory. American Journal of Political Science. 38(4): 861‐893. Wagner, David. 2000. Chapter 4 “For the Greater Glory of the Rich” in What’s Love Got to do with it? A Critical Look at American Charity. New York: New Press. Altruism, charity and philanthropy are fundamental concept underlying many conversations about nonprofit organizations today. This week we will explore questions such as: Why do we act Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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altruistically? How do we reconcile altruistic behavior with dominant images of humans as primarily self‐interested? Why are nonprofits seen as important vehicles for supporting and encouraging altruistic behavior? Consider your own experience donating or volunteering or the experience of others you know in light of this week’s readings. In class film: We will view “Dr. James Orbinski’s Humanitarian Dilemma” and consider how his work and experience with Doctors Without Borders illustrates some of the key concepts raised in this weeks readings. WEEK FIVE. September 26. Social Capital & Civic Engagement Required Reading: De Tocqueville, Alexis. Democracy in America; Chapter 9 in The Civil Society Reader. New Lebanon NH: Tufts University. University Press of New England. Putnam, Robert D. Making Democracy Work, Chapter 21, in The Civil Society Reader. New Lebanon NH: Tufts University. University Press of New England. Evans, Sara and Harry Boyte. Free Spaces, Chapter 17 in The Civil Society Reader. New Lebanon NH: Tufts University. University Press of New England. Eisenberg, Pablo. 2004. Citizen Engagement: The Nonprofit Challenge. The Nonprofit Quarterly, Winter. 32, 34, 36‐37. Nonprofits have made important contributions to a vibrant democracy: they provide spaces for developing social capital, they offer opportunities for citizens to develop civic habits and they can be ‘free spaces’ where marginalized communities can come together to push for policies that ensure everyone is included in the democratic system. But what do these concepts mean: social capital, civic habits and free spaces? Are nonprofits contributing to building social capital and civic habits? How? Have you ever gotten involved in ‘solving a public problem’ on campus or in your neighborhood? In what way does your experience resonate with the readings and in what way does it not? In class film: We will view “Saul Alinsky and His Legacy” and consider how organizations like the Industrial Areas Foundation work to engage citizens. WEEK SIX. October 3. Case Analysis CASE ANALYSIS PAPER DUE CASE PRESENTATION. Come prepared to share the findings of your analysis. WEEK SEVEN. October 10. Relationship to the State. Part I. Partners in Public Service Required Reading: Chapter 15 in the State of Nonprofit America “Clash of Values: Government Funding for the Arts and Religion”. Chapter 9 in Nonprofits & Government: Collaboration or Conflict. Washington D.C.: Urban Institute Press. In the mid 1980s, then President Ronald Reagan argued for cutting government spending on social services, in part because it stymied charitable efforts. Looking at the data on nonprofit funding, the Urban Institute’s Salamon and Abramson countered that claim and showed how inter‐dependent the public and nonprofit sectors were in providing social services and meeting public objectives. This week Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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we will be looking at how nonprofits partner with government. We will address such questions as: What are the challenges and synergies of this partnership? What types of nonprofits receive the most substantial support from government to address social problems? DUE ANALYSIS 1: Conduct some initial research: Do your 6 nonprofits receive government funds to address some need? How much of their support is coming from government sources? What might be the pros and cons of such support? If your nonprofits are not receiving government support, why might that be the case? You will share your analysis in class and hand in a copy at the end of class. WEEK EIGHT. October 17. Relationship to the State. Part II. Advocates and Watchdogs Required Reading: “Civic Participation and Advocacy” Chapter 10 in The State of Nonprofit America. “Global Network to Curb Corruption: The Experience of Transparency International” Chapter 2 in The Third Force: The Rise of Transnational Civil Society. Washington D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Berry, Jeffry M. 2003. “Nonprofits as Interest Groups”. Chapter 2 in A Voice for Nonprofits. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institution Press. In addition to partnering with government to address human need, nonprofits also play a role in ensuring that government is responsive to citizens: whether this is pushing for greater transparency of government processes or advocating for policies that redress inequities to ensure an inclusive democracy or better align with particular interests. However, nonprofits, specifically 501c4s, have now become a vehicle for funding political campaign ads as a consequence of the Supreme Court’s Citizen United Decision. This week we will look at the role of nonprofits in the policy process, as both watchdogs and advocates. We will also examine the difference between public issue advocacy and political campaign lobbying. Key questions include: How have nonprofits advocated for change? Around what issues and with what impact? What are the limits to nonprofit advocacy? Is there a difference between nonprofit advocacy and interest group lobbying? We will watch two videos: A news story on 504c nonprofits and a video on Transparency International. http://www.youtube.com/user/TransparencyIntl http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7418620n&tag=showDoorFlexGridRight;flexGridModule DUE ANALYSIS 2: Conduct some initial research: Are your 6 nonprofits advocating for an issue or cause? What are they advocating for and how? You will share your analysis in class and hand in a copy at the end of class WEEK NINE. October 24. Relationship to the Market. Part I. Partnering with Corporations Required Reading: Andreasen, Alan R. 2009. Cross‐Sector Marketing Alliances: Partnerships, Sponsorships and Cause‐ Related Marketing, Chapter 6 in Nonprofits and Business. Urban Institute Press CASE: Susan G. Komen Foundation. http://ww5.komen.org/ o Eickenberry, Angela. M. The Hidden Costs of Cause Marketing. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Summer 2009 o King, Samantha. 2001. An All Consuming Cause: Breast Cancer, Corporate Philanthropy and the Market for Generosity. Social Text 69. Vol. 19 (4). Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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Bloom, Paul et al. 2006. How Social Cause Marketing Affects Consumer Perceptions. MIT Sloan Management Review. Winter
Nonprofit organizations partner with corporations in various ways: to raise money, to achieve philanthropic goals, to innovate and to achieve political objectives. At times, these partnerships have been highly effective and mutually beneficial but they have also raised a number of concerns. What are the pros and cons of partnering with corporations generally? Of using cause‐related marketing strategies specifically? DUE ANALYSIS 4: Conduct some initial research. Are your 6 nonprofits partnering with corporations? How? What are some of the pros and cons of this strategy for your nonprofits? WEEK TEN. October 31st. Relationship to the Market. Part II. Social Entrepreneurship and Commercial Activity Required Reading: Chapter 14 in the State of Nonprofit America Martin, Roger L and Sally Osberg. 2007. Social Entrepreneurship: the Case for Definition. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Spring. Foster, William and Jeffrey Bradach. 2005. Should Nonprofit Seek Profits? Harvard Business Review, February: 1‐9. (NOTE: this reading is not on electronic reserve. You must go and download it yourself) This week we will be looking at another dimension of nonprofits’ relationship to the market: the adoption of business like practices and the growing commercialization in the sector. Cuts in government spending and insufficient donations spurred many nonprofits to look at how they could supplement their income with earned revenue. Earned revenue gives nonprofits the operating income they so desperately need as well as some flexibility in the use of this income, which is often lacking with grants and contracts. At the same time commercialization of the sector has raised concerns about nonprofits charitable role and their ability to serve the poor. We will explore one question: How does earned income further the mission of the nonprofit and how might it work against mission fulfillment? DUE ANALYSIS 3: Conduct some initial research: Are your 6 nonprofits earning revenue through the sale of goods and services? What might be some of the pros and cons of this strategy for your nonprofit? You will share your analysis in class and hand in a copy at the end of class. WEEK ELEVEN. November 7. Private Philanthropy: Foundations and Individual Giving Foundation Center. 2004. What is a Foundation? Chapter 1 In Foundation Fundamentals: A Guide for Grantseekers. NY: Foundation Center. Sealander, Judith. 2003. “Curing Evils at Their Source: The Arrival of Scientific Giving” Chapter 10 in Charity, Philanthropy and Civility in American History. Cambridge University Press. Aksartova, Sada. 2010. Promoting Civil Society or Diffusing NGOS? U.S. Donors in the Former Soviet Union. Chapter 7 in Globalization, Philanthropy and Civil Society: Projecting Institutional Logics Abroad. Indiana University Press. Look at individual giving in your home state: http://philanthropy.com/section/How‐America‐ Gives/621/ Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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Our legal and regulatory frameworks support charitable efforts, including allowing individuals to set up a foundation, where they can place their wealth indefinitely for a specified charitable purpose. The Foundation Center puts the number of grantmaking foundations at more than 76,000, giving an estimated $45.7 billion in 2010. Prominent foundations include the Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, Rockefeller, Sage and Hewlett Foundation, among others. Yet as we saw in our brief look at the historical development of the sector, the effort to establish foundations took some time and certainly was not without controversy. We will only be able to scratch the surface of the extensive material available on foundations. This week we will look at: What do these organizations do? What has been their role and contribution to democratic society? How have their efforts contributed to desired change as well as worked against such change? DUE ANALYSIS 5: Conduct some initial research. Do your individual nonprofits receive support from Foundations? How dependent are they on individual giving? Look at their home page; how do they use their webpage to appeal to individual donors? What are the pros and cons of private philanthropic support for nonprofits? WEEK TWELVE. November 14. FINALIZE DRAFT PAPERS NO CLASS. EMAIL DRAFT PAPERS by 7:00. WEEK THIRTEEN. November 22, 2006. THANKSGIVING WEEK FOURTEEN. November 29, 2006. Nonprofits on the Global Stage. Required Reading: Lewis, David. 2001. “NGOs and Development.” Chapter 3.in The Management of Non‐ Governmental Organizations. Routledge: Oxford and NY. Chapter 8 in the State of Nonprofit America. Most of the course has been spent discussing nonprofits in the context of the U.S. Yet, many U.S. nonprofits work overseas and partner with local organizations to address issues in that country or form coalitions to work on global issues like human rights, land mines, human trafficking and so on. These partnerships have been very effective but at times U.S. nonprofits have been challenged to balance donor agendas rather than local concerns and perspectives. While this tension is not unique to internationally focused nonprofits, this tension can be more acute given differences in language, culture and so on. This makes the work of U.S. international NGOs particularly challenging: How can and do U.S. nonprofits that work internationally effectively, balancing funder priorities with local concerns? How do they partner with local organizations in other countries? What are the constraints that may work against such partnerships? We will have two guest speakers from organizations that have reputations for doing this work well. WEEK FIFTEEN. December 6. WRAP UP AND WAY FORWARD TBD FINAL PAPERS ARE DUE DECEMBER 13TH.
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COURSE ASSIGNMENTS and EVALUATION This course fulfills the Writing Intensive requirement in the Government major. It does so by asking you to write a case analysis of 5 pages (1500 words) and a research paper of 10‐12 pages (2000‐3,000 words). The research paper will be completed through a draft/feedback/revision process. You will receive feedback from the instructor. The first draft will be due November 15; I will provide formative feedback on the draft, and the revised draft will be due on December 12th. I will provide summative grade on the final paper. Grades earned for major course products and your final grade will be calculated using the following: Percentage Grade Percentage Grade 93‐100% A 77‐79% C+ 90‐92% A‐ 73‐76% C 87‐89% B+ 70‐72% C‐ 83‐86% B 65‐69% D 80‐82% B‐ 0‐64% F a. Class Participation (10% of the final grade) This course is structured as a seminar. Participation will be a critical and an important part of how you will be evaluated. Effective participation depends on a variety of skills including: active listening, respect and openness to everyone’s ideas and contributions, concise questioning and purposeful discussion. b. 4 Quizzes (20% of the final grade) Four times during the semester you will be tested on the course content. Each quiz will include fill in the blank, multiple choice and short response and ask you about key concepts from the weeks readings. The purpose of the quiz is to ensure you are keeping up with the reading and grasping key concepts. You will receive additional information on the quizzes in class. c. Nonprofit Case Analysis (20% of the final grade). Due October 18th at 4:30. You will read one book about a nonprofit organization and examine how this nonprofit illustrates the key issues and concepts discussed in weeks 3‐5. The purpose of this analysis is to apply the course concepts and ideas to a real example. This will help you see how nonprofits live up to some of the ideals we hear in policy circles as well as the limitations of those ideals. This will require reading the book as well as conducting additional research about the organization (via the web). You will write a 5 page case analysis (1500 words) of this organization and then be expected to present this analysis in class. Case Analysis Paper. (15% of your final grade). Basic Paper Structure I. Introduce the Nonprofit. What is the purpose/mission of the organization? Who does it serve? What does it to achieve this purpose? II. History of the Nonprofit. When was it founded, why, and how has it changed over the years? III. Altruism. Does the organization encourage altruistic and philanthropic behavior? How? What evidence is there? Do you also see evidence of self‐interest? IV. Civic Engagement. Does the organization build social capital? Help individuals develop civic habits? Provide free spaces? How? What evidence is there? IV. Conclusion.
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Case Analysis Presentation (5% of the final grade). TBD (depending on the books selected and number of students) d. Research Report (50% of the final grade). (See Due Dates Below) You will be asked to pick an issue you care about, research the activity and work of nonprofits in that area, and analyze how these nonprofits relate to the state and market. The purpose of the research paper is to apply the course concepts and ideas covered in weeks 7‐11 to a set of nonprofits in an issue area that you care about. This application will help you better understand the readings and how real nonprofits work to address problems in partnership with government, corporate partners, foundations and individuals. You will complete the research paper in steps. Each step is a percentage of your grade. You will receive more detailed instructions later in the course. Date Required Submission % of your grade 9/20 Step I. Topic and Nonprofit Profiles 5% 10/25 Step II. Annotated Bibliography. 5% Weeks Step III. Analysis (this will be presented and 5% 7‐11 analyzed in class and then you will hand in a copy of your analysis at the end of the class) 11/14 Step IV. Draft of your paper 15% 12/13 Step V. Final Paper (10 pages 3,000 words) 20% TOTAL 50% COURSE COMMUNICATION Changes to the course schedule, reading assignments and other important information will be announced during class and sent to your GMU email address. Be sure to check your email account regularly for information. If you have questions or concerns about the course or the material, do not hesitate to talk to me. If you don’t understand something, ask me about it. You are welcome to come see me during my office hours. If you cannot make office hours, we can arrange for an individual appointment by phone or in person. Email is the best way to get in touch with me. If you do send an e‐ mail, include GOVT 490 in the subject header. I will make every attempt to get back to you within 2 days. CLASSROOM CONDUCT Arrive to class on time every day. Silence your cell phones and other electronic devices and stay off of them. Texting, checking your Facebook page and talking in the classroom is distracting and frustrating for others. If you must do this, leave the room or wait until the break. Ask questions about the material and take thorough notes in class. Go back over the readings after class if necessary, to make sure you are clear about the arguments and concepts. Fully document all sources you use in your papers and abide by standards of academic honesty. Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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ATTENDANCE You must let me know if they will miss a class. If you miss a class, it is YOUR responsibility to collect handouts, notes, new deadlines, etc. from classmates. Please don’t ask me what you missed before talking to a classmate first. LATE ASSIGNMENTS Late assignments will be penalized a grade per day (an A paper will become A‐ after 1 day, B+ after 2 days, etc.), unless arrangements are made ahead of time. Late papers should be either hand‐delivered or emailed to me. ACADEMIC INTEGRTIY All graded work is to be completed independently. You are expected to abide by the GMU Honor Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (see http://academicintegrity.gmu.edu/honorcode/ for detailed information). Suspected cases of plagiarism may be evaluated using anti‐plagiarism software. Instructors are required to report all violations of the Honor Code to the GMU Honor Committee. Violations will likely result in a failing grade for the assignment and may result in a failing grade for the course, plus any additional penalties determined by the committee, including dismissal from the University. Please be sure that the work you submit to class is your own, and that you provide proper citations when referencing another person’s words or ideas. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office for Disability Services at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office. ADD/DROP and WITHDRAWAL The deadlines for courses that last the whole semester are given below. These dates differ for courses that meet less than the full semester. See the Schedule of Classes for those dates. Last day to drop with no tuition penalty: **September 4 Last day to add classes: **September 4 Last day to drop with no academic liability and some payment refund: **September 28
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SUMMARY OF CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS Date Topic 8/29 Introduction and Overview 9/5 Scope and Definitions 9/12 History and Evolution 9/19 Altruism, Charity and Philanthropy
Assignment Due Part I. Research Paper (Profiles of 6 nonprofits)
9/26 10/3
Social Capital and Civic Engagement
10/10 10/18
Relationship to the State. I Relationship to the State II
Nonprofit Case Analysis Paper and Presentation Analysis 1 due Analysis 2 due
10/25
Relationship to the Market I
Analysis 3 due
Part II. Research Paper (Annotated Bibliography)
10/31 11/7
Relationship to the Market II Private Philanthropy: Foundations and Individual Giving NO CLASS – FINALIZE PAPERS THANKSGIVING Nonprofits on the Global Stage Wrap up FINAL PAPERS ARE DUE
Analysis 4 due Analysis 5 due
11/14 DRAFT PAPERS ARE DUE 11/21 11/28 12/5 12/12 JOURNAL AND PERIODICAL RESOURCES The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Washington, DC: The Chronicle of Philanthropy. (Published biweekly). The latest issues in philanthropic activity from case histories and people in the profession to statistical data on major contributions are covered in this newspaper. Sections can include fundraising, giving, foundations, corporations, marketing, management, volunteering, grants, international fundraising activities, and many other areas of philanthropy. New Directions for Philanthropic Fundraising. San Francisco, CA: Jossey‐Bass, Inc. (Published quarterly). In each quarterly paperback, authors address themes related to fundraising management and technique, always keeping in mind the values of voluntarism and public benefit that characterizes philanthropic organizations. The journal is sponsored by the Indiana University Nonprofit Management and Leadership (NM&L). San Francisco, CA: Jossey‐Bass, Inc. (Published quarterly). Provides latest developments in theory and practice of nonprofit management; includes articles, features, book reviews, research reports, and updates on professional conferences. The Nonprofit Quarterly. Boston, MA: Third Sector New England. (Published quarterly). This publication strives to provide nonprofit leaders a forum to exchange innovative ideas and informational resources. Benjamin, 490, Fall 2012 Syllabus subject to change
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Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly (NVSQ). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. (Published quarterly). The journal of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), this is an international, interdisciplinary publication that reports on research and programs related to voluntarism, citizen participation, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations. Philanthropy. Washington, DC: Philanthropy Roundtable. (Six issues are published yearly). Informative coverage of issues facing the field; discusses current issues in philanthropy. Philanthropy Matters. Indianapolis, IN: The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. A publication of the Center on Philanthropy that includes news and reports on research as well as articles of interest to nonprofit sector personnel and academicians. Philanthropy News Digest. New York, NY: The Foundation Center. (Published weekly). News digest with feature articles, columns and departmental news produced by the leading source of foundation information. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Stanford, CA: Stanford GSB. (Published Quarterly). Strategies, tools and ideas for nonprofit organizations, foundations and socially responsible businesses. Voluntas. Dordrecht, the Netherlands: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishing Corporation. (Published quarterly). International journal of voluntary and nonprofit organizations. The leading international journal for research on the area between the state, the market and households. It is essential reading for all social science scholars who have an interest in public policy.
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