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V521 – The Nonprofit & Voluntary SectorSpring 2008Kirsten A. GrønbjergSection 11048, MW 4:00-5:15 pm, PV 272Course Requirements and Grading CriteriaThere are four major requirements for the course, each of which will contribute to the overall course grade in the proportions indicated: Class participation (10%), class journal (5%), a major project OR three smaller projects (50%), and a final take-home exam (35%). I have described each in greater detail below. Doctoral StudentsPlease identify yourselves the first week of classes so that we can meet and agree on a course plan that meets SPEA expectations for doctoral level work. Normally, I expect doctoral students in this course to complete: (1) a weekly journal reflecting on all assigned readings (both required and recommended) and (2) a comprehensive, conceptually focused final paper incorporating all required and recommended readings. Class ParticipationYou must participate actively and constructively in class discussions. This means not only attending class, but also demonstrating that you have read the assigned material prior to the class and that you are able to reflect on them constructively. In particular, I look for indications that you relate particular readings or topics to material previously discussed or otherwise covered in the course, to issues and concepts you have encountered in other courses, and/or to your own personal experiences. Class participation counts 10% towards the overall course grade and is based partly on attendance and partly on active participation. Bi-weekly JournalWriting a journal that reflects your thoughts about the course material is one of the most valuable learning tools in this course. It will help you integrate readings, lectures, discussions, and project assignments with your personal observations and experiences, and prepare you for active class participation. You can also use the journals to try out ideas for the final exam. You should get started on your first journal during the first weeks of class. If you have any questions, please ask me for help early in the semester. See detailed instructions under the Syllabus tab on Oncourse.
Project(s)You have two options in terms of class projects: Either a single project to be completed in three phases (Option A) OR three smaller projects (Option B). In each case, the written reports count a combined 45 percent towards the course grade. A required class presentation on Option A or active participation in class discussion of each of the three Option B projects counts for an additional 5 percent. I strongly encourage you to complete these projects collaboratively with other students. Samples of projects completed by students in prior years are available for your review in SPEA410 (but please do NOT remove these samples from the office). For more details, see Projects and descriptions under the Assignment tab on Oncourse. Team WorkYou should preferably carry out these projects as a part of team of 2-4 people. You must choose your own team members and if you select Project Option B team composition may change from one project report to the next. However, all members of the team must participate in the work, which should be divided as evenly as possible. Please see instructions for Project Options A and B on Oncourse about the required team assessments (due when each project report is submitted). If you are interested in working on particular projects and wish to find team mates, you can send an email about that to members of the class on Oncourse or use the sign-up sheet available in SPEA 410.
Team work is increasingly the norm in most work-place environments, but it is demanding and can create friction among team members. It is your responsibility to make sure you participate as an active and constructive member of your team. See detailed instructions for Project Options A and B for suggestions on team work etiquette and how to manage the expectations and processes involved. Final Exam
You must complete a take-home final exam,
worth 35 percent of the course grade and due no later than
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Exams handed in late
(both hard copy and electronic format) will be penalized with one
full grade point for each fraction of a 24-hour period the exam is
late. The exam is designed to help you integrate the material
covered in this course, develop a solid understanding of the
conceptual issues that the course has covered, and apply this
knowledge to a nonprofit field in which you are particularly
interested. See detailed instructions under the Assignment tab on
Oncourse.
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