Academics

Course Descriptions

IPVS students during a lively class discussion

Voluntary Associations & Democracy
(3 credits) - PPOL 310
This course will offer students involved with voluntary associations an opportunity to carefully consider the larger context of this activity, through a careful reading of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. Class analysis will consider, among other things: the relationship —historical and logical—between aristocracy and democracy; the instability of democracy; the mechanisms that serve as antidotes to these instabilities; the importance of religion for democracy; and whether the problem of democracy is, a forum that requires face-to-face relations for it to work. The intention is less to defend what Tocqueville said than to begin to comprehend the way in which he thought through democracy and its problems. Please click here for the Summer 2008 syllabus.

The Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (3 credits ) - GOVT 472
Students participate in lively discussion sessions during the course as they explore the ethical and moral traditions of philanthropy. This course will enhance your appreciation for, and ability to deal with, the ethical issues that can arise in the course of philanthropic activity. The course is designed to teach you how to deal with such ethical issues, and students work towards mastering a method for solving problems rather than simply learning a stock set of answers. Please click here for the Summer 2008 syllabus.

A discussion about Tocqueville's Democracy in America

Nonprofit Internship Seminar
(3 credits optional ) - GOVT 241
This course offers internship reflection, leadership exercises, and career building activities. The course will look at current issues affecting professionals working in the nonprofit field such as developing a mission statement, fundraising, effective grant evaluation, and volunteer management. Students will examine the practical side of the nonprofit sector by examining examples from their internships, lectures, workshops and group activities offered throughout the eight-week institute. This leadership seminar will provide a complete overview of the nonprofit sector in the nation’s capital. Please click here for the Summer 2008 syllabus.

Students should check with their home institution to determine how or if the Georgetown University course credit will transfer as it differs by student and the home university.

“The classes IPVS has provided me were instrumental in developing my character as well as my outlook on the world. With our intense study of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, a fresh spirit of optimism was renewed within me. This class gave me a strong drive to continue to associate with my fellow Americans.”
Shane Mulrooney
Truman State University
Intern, Best Buddies International

“In my entire university experience, these IPVS classes are probably the best I have ever taken. The professors are absolutely phenomenal. They challenge us to look at the world in ways I could never have previously imagined. Their lectures are simultaneously thought-provoking and motivating.”
Nolan Guiffre
Niagara University
Intern, The Corps Network