DAFF 25A05 - Philantropy and Oceans

Philanthropic organizations are present alongside governments and business actors addressing international transboundary issues such as climate change, biodiversity, marine pollution and conservation. This course will explore the relationship between philanthropy in its many expressions, the corresponding nonprofit sub-sector, and the ocean.

Texts from different fields such as sociology, history, ethics, international relations, finance and economics will be used to take a philanthropic lens of a transboundary issue in an international context.

Students will

Look at the concept, differing definitions and manifestations of philanthropy.

Analyze the relationships between government, business and the non-profit sector

Evaluate ocean issues, understand where philanthropic action is present, assess the strengths and limitations of this action and gain insight into the complexity of the situation

Think critically taking into account cultural influences, traditions, power relations and ethical stances, economic approaches, and the notion of sustainability.

Good level of English, spoken and written, no previous knowledge of philanthropy or ocean

issues necessary.

The course will include a weekly interactive discussion and Q&A on core concepts. Short lectures and approx. 25 pages of reading are given per week. Each student will write 4 discussion posts, a reaction paper, participate in a case study analysis, and produce a short final individual project which consists of an organizational profile.