This one-credit summer course will introduce students to the roles, structures, and unique practices of nonprofit organizations. We?ll briefly explore how and why the ?third sector? developed, get a basic understanding of what makes nonprofits different from (and similar to) other organizations, then dive into some contemporary questions about the field. Students will have the opportunity to dig deeply in an organization that interests them in order to apply classroom learning.

This class will be taught using the online learning platform Blackboard. As such, it will be highly self-directed. Students will need to hold themselves accountable and will get out of this class as much as they are willing to put in. I will provide reading materials, course content, and assignments online and students will be expected to participate on a regular basis. As a one-credit class, reading is limited to approximately 6 articles and one video assignment; you'll participate in 5 related discussion forums online. Other assignments are described below.

There are three primary assignments for the course: 1) an informational interview with a professional in the nonprofit field (your choice), worth 40% of the grade; 2) participation in online discussion forums, worth 30% of the grade; and 3) a final reflective paper, worth 30% of the grade.