Academics

Overview

Students are afforded opportunities to learn about nonprofits and philanthropy both in the classroom and through real-world experience

All participants are enrolled as full-time students at Georgetown University, Washington's leading institution of higher learning. Academic study of philanthropy and voluntary associations is the primary focus of this fast-paced Institute. Students will explore the unique history of voluntary service and democracy in America, as well as discuss ethics and values of nonprofit and philanthropic issues. In addition, participants will explore the role of the nonprofit sector as an alternative to government in solving community problems and will learn about the importance of a free-market economy to the creation of wealth.

The institute is an intense academic program with two mandatory classes that include ten required hours of class per week, reading assignments, and exams. Students are required to attend all class sessions and participate in class discussions in order to complete the program. The Institute offers one optional course, the Nonprofit Internship Seminar that allows students to earn credit for their internship experience, as well as focus on leadership exercises and career development activities.

The curriculum is comprised of the following three-credit courses:

Voluntary Associations & Democracy
(3 credits) PPOL 310

Ethics & Values of Philanthropy
(3 credits) GOVT 472

Nonprofit Internship Seminar
Optional Course
(3 credits) GOVT 241

Classes are approximately ten hours a week.

Summer 2009 Schedule:
Monday
4:00 - 7:00pm - Voluntary Associations and Democracy (Section I, June; Section II, July)
4:00 - 7:00pm - Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (Section II, June; Section I, July)
7:30 - 9:00pm - Internship Seminar (June and July)

Tuesday
4:00 - 7:00pm - Voluntary Associations and Democracy (Section I, June; Section II, July)
4:00 - 7:00pm - Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (Section II, June; Section I, July)

Wednesday
5:00 - 6:30pm - Institute Philanthropy Project (June and July)
7:00 - 8:30pm - Guest Lecture Series (June and July)

Thursday
4:00 - 7:00pm - Voluntary Associations and Democracy (Section I, June; Section II, July)
4:00 - 7:00pm - Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (Section II, June; Section I, July)

“The IPVS classes inspired me this summer. I find myself constantly turning new ideas over in my mind and making connections between what I am learning in class, what I am learning at my internship, and what I am learning about life—they seem inseparable.”
Amanda Larson
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Intern, Discovery Creek Children’s Museum