The course examines the changing roles, management styles, and responsibilities of nonprofit organizations in America's political and economic systems as well as the evolution of public policies that are shaping the nonprofit or third sector itself. In addition, we will explore the growth of civil society organizations internationally with a particular focus on NGOs in the third world. We will also look at faith-based organizations within the context of their new roles and seek to understand the implications of demands for accountability, transparency, and performance outcomes in a nonprofit world that has become increasingly competitive. The importance of incentives will be stressed. We want to provide a framework within which to understand nonprofit or third sector organizations and institutions as they try to adjust to changes in the public sector (government) and private sector (market) while seeking to serve the public good. Values and questions of mission and leadership will permeate readings and class discussion. Why is the nonprofit sector distinctive and how should it be influenced by public policy and vice versa? The course will meet twice weekly in seminar format depending on the size of the class. Class preparation and participation are required to make the course successful.
