Courses, Schedules, and Syllabi

Initial registration for Summer 2025 opens May 9th, 2025.

Check the Registration Schedule to see the registration eligibility order.
You can check DuckWeb for your registration date/time.

View the Spring 2025 PPPM Weekly Schedule

To view course registration details, visit the UO Class Schedule

Choose undergraduate courses based on the Undergraduate Fields of Interest for PPPM Major (PDF).

Click the CRN for full details of each course.

Undergraduate Course Offerings – Summer 2025

Summer registration opens May 5th, 2025.

PPPM 201 Introduction to Public Policy (4 credits, graded, CRN 41253 & SYNC WEB 41254)
Instructor: B. Choquette

This course explores what public officials within government, and by extension the citizens they represent, choose to do or not to do about public issues. We will look at environment within which policy is developed and discuss the context and actors involved in the policy process.

[Required for PPPM Major, PPPM Minor]

*Note that PPPM majors and minors may apply a maximum of 4 credits numbered below the 300-level to elective requirements

PPPM 250 Arts & Human Values (4 credits, graded, CRN 41571 & SYNC WEB 41702)
Instructor: A. Lilly

Arts & Human Values addresses fundamental aesthetic theory and practice questions resulting from viewing art as a powerful communicator of social and cultural values. Values, rights, and responsibilities of the contemporary visual environment. Institutional structures advancing the arts and culture in society will be examined. This course will address fundamental, theoretical, and practical questions that result from a view of art as a powerful social and cultural force. Participants, by addressing these questions, will examine their and others’ aesthetic values as a means of understanding art and advancing multicultural and cross-cultural understanding. Emphasis will be placed upon individual interpretation and experience in local, national and international settings. Participants in this course will: 1. Consider the arts within cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts. 2. Examine political, geographical, and economic influences that shape the ways that we perceive and define the arts. 3. Investigate the influence of the arts on shaping human values, and of human values in shaping the context, form, and practice of the various arts forms. 4. Examine definitions of art and aesthetics in order to understand the historical and social underpinnings of the relative value placed on various forms of art making. 5. Explore institutional structures advancing the arts and culture in society. In each section, students have opportunities to participate in aesthetic critique as well as in arts creation. Students are encouraged to bring their own perspective and experience to the examination of different art forms. Classes place a high value on participation, as individuals and within groups.

[Required for PPPM Major, PPPM Minor]

PPPM 321 Inclusive Urbanism (4 credits, graded, SYNC WEB CRN 41257)
Instructor: A. Huerta

Urban exclusion has manifested in different forms throughout history as the result of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination. These consequences have had profound effects on the form and function of cities, and, in turn, on the ability of underrepresented segments of the population to reach their full economic and human potential—and in some cases their ability to be valued members of society at all. This course investigates the relationship between social and economic inclusion and the built environment of cities through a range of scales (building, neighborhood, district, city, region) and from multiple disciplinary perspectives (architecture, planning, urban design, nonprofit management, public policy, landscape architecture, and environmental studies). Social equity, environmental justice, and economic opportunity – and the critical perspectives through which these and similar topics are addressed – will enable students to better understand, advocate for, and build communities that are more inclusive, healthy, and just.

PPPM 404 Internship (CRN 41261) and PPPM 404 Internship Nonprofit (CRN 41262)
(1 – 12 credits, P/NP only, *instructor approval required*)
Instructor: K. Gatlin

This course offers students individualized opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting, explore and clarify career interests, apply theory, learn new skills, and network with professionals. Internships integrate academic study with planned, supervised work experience. An academic (credit) internship is optional, but highly recommended for undergraduate students.

*PPPM 412 is a pre-requisite. Instructor approval required. Students must begin preauthorization process with instructor the term prior to the start of the proposed internship.

[PPPM 404 Internship Nonprofit is a Nonprofit Minor elective]

PPPM 408 Environmental Impact Assessment (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB CRN 41265)
Instructor: S. Rosenberg

This course introduces students to the process of environmental impact assessment and analysis and the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Participants will acquire and analyze an environmental impact statement as well as become familiar with the preparation of environmental impact statements and their use in project evaluation and impact mitigation.

PPPM 422 Grant Proposal Writing (1 credit, Pass/No Pass, CRN 41267 & SYNC WEB CRN 41268)
Instructor: B. Choquette

This class focuses on the process of developing fundable ideas, building broad-based support, conducting the research required to identify appropriate funders for projects or programs across a wide variety of disciplines and sectors, and writing grant proposals to fund initiatives.

[Required for Nonprofit Minor]

PPPM 434 Introduction to Urban Geog Info Sys (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB CRN 41469)
Instructor: Y. Yang

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and applications in Mapping and Analysis for Planning and Policy making.

[Required for PPPM Major]

PPPM 443 Natural Resource Policy (4 credits, ASYNC WEB CRN 41271)
Instructor: S. Rosenberg

This course explores the historical and current administrative framework of natural resource policy at the federal, state, and local level in the U.S. We investigate how natural resource policies are developed and implemented and the underlying causes for natural resource conflicts. The course covers a variety of natural resource policies related to forests, parks, water, wildlife, rangelands, and energy resources. Students apply what they have learned through individual assignments and group projects.

PPPM 445 Green Cities (4 credits, required and graded for Nonprofit Minors, CRN 41670 & SYNC WEB CRN 41703)
Instructor: B. Choquette

This course will explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of sustainable urban development. We will examine the history and future of the interface between urban growth and environmental concerns and delve into a wide range of topics in a broad overview of this important field.

PPPM 483 Volunteer Resource Management (2 credits, SYNC WEB CRN 41273)
Instructor: E. Barnhart

This two-credit course provides an overview of the role of volunteers in community organizations, as well as serves as a comprehensive introduction to effective practices in volunteer resource management.

[Nonprofit Minor elective]

Graduate Course Offerings – Summer 2025

Summer registration opens May 5th, 2025.

PPPM 508 Environmental Impact Assessment (4 credits, ASYNC WEB, CRN 41275)
Instructor: S. Rosenberg

PPPM 522: Grant Proposal Writing (1 credit, CRN 41276, & SYNC WEB 41277)
Instructor: B. Choquette

PPPM 534 Introduction to Urban Geographic Information Systems (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB CRN 41278)
Instructor: Y. Yang

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and applications in Mapping and Analysis for Planning and Policy making

[Required for PPPM Major]

PPPM 543: Natural Resource Policy (4 credits, SYNC WEB, CRN 41280)
Instructor: S. Rosenberg

This course examines aspects of population and natural resource systems; poses questions about population trends, policy, and optimum size; analyzes methods for determining natural resource availability and flows.

PPPM 583 Volunteer Resource Management (2 credits, SYNC WEB, CRN 41282)
Instructor: E. Barnhart

This two-credit course provides an overview of the role of volunteers in community
organizations as well as serves as a comprehensive introduction to effective practices in
volunteer resource management.

PPPM 604: Internship (CRN 41284) Internship Nonprofit (CRN 41285) 1-10 credits*, P/NP only
Instructor: J. Voelker-Morris

The goal of this course is to offer students strategic reflection and insight into their professional growth through hands-on experience in a workplace setting. Internships integrate academic study with planned, supervised work experience. Supervised work experience offers students opportunities to explore and clarify career goals, apply theory and academic learning, enhance and learn new skills, gain and reflect on learning and experience, and network with professionals. Repeatable.

*1 credit of PPPM 604 Internship = 3 hours of internship/week during the course of a 10-week term.

[Prerequisite: At least one term of study in a PPPM graduate program. Students should begin discussing the internship preauthorization process with the instructor by week 6 of the term prior to the start of the proposed internship.]

Undergraduate Course Offerings – Fall 2025

Fall registration opens May 19th, 2025.

PPPM 205 Introduction to City Planning (4 credits, graded, CRN 14464) >2
Instructor: R. Lewis

Introduction to City Planning introduces students to the field of city planning – a strange academic discipline that synthesizes a diverse set of fields, thinks about how the world should ideally be, then figures out how to move in that direction. Traditional focal areas of planning will be covered including transportation, housing, economic development, environmental issues, social equity, and more. The purpose of the course is to give students a general context of what planning is, the topics it deals with, and to convey how cities are designed and function, that cities are alive and ever changing. Ultimately, the purpose of this course is to inspire students to see that the field of city planning is a mechanism to make the world a better place.

[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR, PPPM MINOR]

PPPM 280 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (4 credits, graded, CRN 14478) >2
Instructor: B. Choquette

This course provides a broad overview of the nonprofit sector, including its origin, growth, oversight, and varied elements. It will examine theory and research into the effectiveness of nonprofit strategies and structures and expose students to the challenges that every nonprofit faces: how do we structure and govern ourselves? How do we acquire the resources needed to maintain operations? How do we plan for the future? Examination of the nonprofit sector will be compared and contrasted to the government and business sectors.

[PREREQUISITE FOR: PPPM 480 Nonprofit Management]
[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR, PPPM MINOR, AND NONPROFIT MINOR]

PPPM 413 Quantitative Methods (4 credits, graded, CRN 15895)
Instructor: J. Hicks

A key trend in public administration is evidence-based decision-making, and this course is designed to improve your ability to use empirical evidence to make decisions related to planning, public policy, and management. You will learn the basics of statistical analysis, including which statistical techniques are appropriate to use to answer different research questions. You will use statistical tools available in Microsoft Excel to manage data and conduct statistical analysis. Both Descriptive and Inferential methods of data analysis will be investigated. Additionally, you will learn to interpret empirical findings and write about the results of data analysis in an accessible and clear manner.

[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR]

*This course assumes no prior background in statistics, and it requires no calculus. Basic algebra will be used to illustrate the intuition behind many of the statistical tests, and there will be only a limited amount of hand calculations required for the class.

PPPM 415 Policy & Planning Analysis (4 credits, graded, CRN 14495)
Instructor: J. Coutin

Applied problem solving in the public policy and planning process. This course examines the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of policy and planning analysis.

[PREREQUISITE: EC 201]
[REQUIRED FOR PPPM MAJOR, PPPM MINOR]

PPPM 434 Introduction to Urban Geographic Information Systems (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB, CRN 14498)
Instructor: Y. Yang

Introduction to geographic information systems in areas of environmental, demographic, suitability, and transportation-related research.

[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR]

PPPM 494 Practice of Leadership and Change (4 credits, CRN 14507)
Instructor: J. Melendez

For advanced PPPM students, this course is an opportunity to apply both the knowledge and experiences you have gained from the program so far, in addition to challenging you to think beyond college. As such, this course will explore leadership across cultures, contexts, and purposes, including organizational (nonprofit, government, and for-profit), community, and political spheres. Answers to leadership questions relate to what we envision leadership to be as well as what leadership we may dismiss depending on our cultural and historical backgrounds and experiences. Students in this class will gain cultural and historical understandings of how leadership is practiced. This includes learning some processes of facilitation skills used for inclusive, rather than exclusive, community involvement. Since leadership has the potential to both inspire and divide, we will turn our analytical lens to focus on the use of language and communication as a tool that can create, divide, or unite.

[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR, SENIOR STANDING REQUIRED]
[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE ON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS AFTER INITIAL REGISTRATION]

PPPM Electives
Note: All courses listed below are electives for the PPPM major and PPPM minor. Core courses and electives for the Nonprofit Administration minor are specified.

Undergraduate Elective Offerings – Fall 2025

PPPM 199 Global Cities (4 credits, graded or P/NP, CRN 15885)
Instructor: Y. Yang

This course explores how Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL), particularly in the rapidly urbanizing Pacific Rim, can support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It covers practices for creating SCLs and examines their connections with climate change impacts, water and energy transformation, biodiversity, placemaking, and regional governance for rural-urban co-development. Using hybrid teaching methods and pedagogical approaches like case teaching and peer-learning, the course enhances students’ knowledge and analytical skills. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate their sustainability competencies, including systems thinking, future anticipation, critical thinking, strategic action, collaboration, and integrated problem-solving.

*Majors and minors may apply a maximum of 4 credits numbered below the 300-level to elective requirements.

PPPM 250 Arts & Human Values (4 credits, graded, CRN 14474) >1, >AC, >US
Instructor: L. Abia-Smith

This course addresses fundamental, theoretical, and practical questions that result from a view of art as a powerful social and cultural force. Participants will examine their own aesthetic values as well as others’. Approaches to multiple perspectives in the arts will draw upon historical and contemporary analysis of education, social status, subject matter, criticism, and public perceptions as well as the institutional structures that advance the arts cross-culturally and multiculturally.

*Majors and minors may apply a maximum of 4 credits numbered below the 300-level to elective requirements.

PPPM 321 Inclusive Urbanism (4 credits, graded, CRN 15886) >2, >AC, >US
Instructor: G. Sandoval

PPPM 356 Visual Design for Applied Practice (4 credits, CRN 16544)
Instructor: A. Brown

Graphic presentation and visual communication products have become increasingly important within Planning, Public Administration, and Nonprofit Administration to engage stakeholders, advocate for positions, and encourage participation. This hands-on course provides strong foundational skills in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. This course explores topics to effectively communicate ideas graphically including working effectively with font, color, visual hierarchy, infographics, maps, and creating cohesive and compelling visuals for a range of professional settings. Each class includes a discussion of the day’s topic followed by applied labs to engage and build new skills. No prior knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or graphic design required.

[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 370 Global Sustainable Development & Policy (4 credits, graded, CRN 16544) >GP, >IC
Instructor: N. Ngo

Sustainable Development seeks to reconcile the economic, social, and environmental problems we face in a world with constrained resources. In this class, we discuss the policies currently being used to address urgent problems associated with sustainable development on an international scale and how they’re being implemented. We view these issues through an interdisciplinary lens by drawing primarily on principles from environmental science and economics. Students will leave the class with a deeper understanding of sustainable development and the challenges to achieving these goals.

*This was previously offered as PPPM 407 International Sustainability but has been renamed with a permanent course number.

[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 399 Urban Transportation (4 credits, graded, CRN 15888)
Instructor: R. Binder

Transportation is essential for people to move around and access destinations. This course introduces the basic knowledge related to urban transportation planning and management. This course focuses on the urban transportation policies and practices in the U.S., though it might involve some best practices from other countries. The course overviews how transportation interacts with the social, economic, environmental, and technological systems. During the course, students will learn the history and planning process for urban transportation, measurements of transportation system performances, and policies related to building multimodal transportation systems, such as parking policies, transit policies, and planning for bicycles. Students will also use a variety of tools to collect data and issue recommendations for sustainable and equitable transportation systems.

PPPM 404 Internship (CRN 15888) and PPPM 404 Internship Nonprofit (CRN 15888)
(1 – 12 credits, P/NP only, *instructor approval required*)
Instructor: K. Gatlin

The goal of this course is to offer students individualized opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting, explore and clarify career interests, apply theory, learn new skills, and network with professionals. Internships integrate academic study with planned, supervised work experience. An academic (credit) internship is optional, but highly recommended for undergraduate students.

*PPPM 412 is a pre-requisite. Instructor approval required. Students must begin preauthorization process with instructor the term prior to the start of the proposed internship.

[PPPM 404 INTERNSHIP NONPROFIT IS A NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 407 Environmental Justice (4 credits, graded, CRN 14498)
Instructor: P. Hunnicutt

Why do some communities bear the brunt of environmental problems like pollution and climate change while others do not? Students in this course will engage with this question via an introduction to the theories, evolutions, and applications of environmental justice scholarship and activism. In doing so, students will learn how identities such as race, class, gender, and nationality often intersect to explain the unequal distribution of environmental harms over space and time. The course also highlights how theories and applications of environmental science contribute to the reproduction of environmental inequality.

PPPM 407 Inequality Policy Solutions (4 credits, graded, CRN 15889)
Instructor: J. Coutin

The increase in income and wealth inequality in the U.S. since 1980 is often at the forefront of domestic policy discussions. This course examines the nature of economic inequality and the related issue of poverty in the U.S., with comparisons and examples from other countries. In the f first part of the term, we examine causes, consequences and trends in inequality and poverty, and the changing relationship with education, race and ethnicity, and gender. We then examine a range of policy solutions including minimum wage, universal basic income, tax policies, education and training, and policies to subsidize food, housing, health care and childcare.

[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 407 Critical Disaster Studies (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB CRN 16537)
Instructor: A. Russo

Disasters reveal the hidden architecture of our societies, offering profound insights into how we live, govern, and interact. This engaging asynchronous course invites you to explore the social, political, and cultural forces that shape our experiences of crisis. At a steady pace online, you’ll delve not only into the practice of disaster response, but into critical theories, such as the significant impact of neoliberalism on disaster vulnerability and recovery. Our goal together is to understand the deeper dynamics at play in any disaster scenario. Through a variety of accessible and thought-provoking materials, including readings and podcasts you can access anytime, you’ll uncover how power dynamics, historical context, and inequalities influence events before, during, and after they occur. Discover the complex and crucial roles of government, community action, and individual lives in the face of adversity. No prior knowledge is required – just a curiosity to understand the world around you in new and meaningful ways.

PPPM 410 Real World: Lane County (4 credits, 15892)
Instructor: A. Drlik-Muehleck

Real World Lane County is a team-based, project-based course that offers unparalleled professional development opportunities to students. At the beginning of the class, students are placed on teams of 3-4 and work with a local client (Lane County, one of the small cities in Lane County, or a nonprofit) to develop and complete a real world project. Faculty work with clients to shape projects appropriate to the class timeline and the students’ interests prior to the course, then students work with their client to build and execute a series of tasks that will answer the clients’ key questions during the course. Past project examples include reviewing best practices in universal design for Lane County facilities, creating materials for a public health air-quality awareness campaign, developing a community service program in lieu of fines or jail time, and offering development options for a vacant downtown lot. Students get hands on experience with surveys, interviews, site visits, workshops, and other data collection methods. At the end of the term, students showcase their final products, usually at a City Council or Board meeting.

PPPM 410 Nonprofit Leadership (2 credits, CRN 15891)
Instructor: K. Gatlin

This course examines the organizational and personal side of leadership by learning and evaluating different traits, approaches, styles and theories of leadership. Taking a closer look at the unique opportunities nonprofit leaders face, we will analyze the difference between leadership and management. In this course, we will look at building teams, establishing and building a culture that works for your organization. In addition, you will spend time on analyzing yourself as a leader and use that understanding to identify adaptations you can make to be the most effective leader in a nonprofit organization.

[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 410 AI in Public Sector (4 credits, CRN 15893)
Instructor: J. Melendez

Class Description generated by AI: AI plays a multifaceted role in the public sector, offering numerous benefits across various domains. It enhances public service delivery by automating tasks, enabling more informed decision-making, and improving citizen engagement. By leveraging AI, governments can streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and tailor services to better meet the needs of their citizens.

Class Description generated by Professor: This class will explore the different functions AI is playing or could play in the public sector. Students will investigate the ethical dilemmas associated with using AI in the public sector as well as the possibilities it offers. The class will function both as a seminar on theories/ethics of AI in the public Sector and a workshop where students can analyze case studies, while learning and practicing using AI to address common issues facing the public sector.

PPPM 410 Local Government (4 credits, CRN 15894)
Instructor: C. Conrad

This class focuses on the local government ecosystem with an emphasis on how local government entities and stakeholders cooperate in pursuing common goals and compete for limited resources. Discussions will entail understanding the various roles and functions of local governments, the public policy process, advocacy and the legislative process, and how local governments engage with non-profits to better serve their constituents.

PPPM 412 Internship & Professional Development (2 credits, P/NP only, CRN 15894)
Instructor: K. Gatlin

Introduction to the department’s internship program and career development. Includes overview of professionalism and effective communication, résumé and cover letter writing, and interviewing and networking skills. The topics covered focus on professional development, so all PPPM students are encouraged to take the class even if they do not plan to pursue an academic internship.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]
[PREREQUISITE FOR PPPM 404 INTERNSHIP & PPPM 404 INTERNSHIP NONPROFIT]

PPPM 418: Introduction to Public Law (4 credits, Optional Grading, CRN 14496)
Instructor: D. Stotter

This course provides an introduction to government and public interest law, state and federal constitutional law, civil rights, land use and environmental law, access to public records, public hearings and public meetings, local government enforcement, citizen suits, criminal prosecution, legislation and initiatives, and provides practical pre-law skills in legal research. In addition, this class will also provide information on local, state and federal public law careers in the legislative, government agency, lobbying, and public interest sectors.

[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 422 Grant Proposal Writing (1 credit, Pass/NP, CRN 14497)
Instructor: B. Choquette

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of grant proposal writing and provides an opportunity to develop a draft proposal for a funded activity. Attendance is mandatory at both sessions to pass.

[REQUIRED FOR: NONPROFIT MINOR]

PPPM 430 Public Health Policy (4 credits, CRN 15898)
Instructor: N. Ngo

In the United States, we pay almost twice as much per capita for health care as other industrial countries. Yet, there are well-documented problems with health care quality and equity. This class is an introduction to the key health policy issues of access, cost, quality and disparities. For each topic, we will examine the existing evidence base, the factors contributing to the problem, the array of current approaches for addressing the issue, and the approaches included in the current health reform legislation. The course will be taught using a mix of lecture and discussion. We will read and discuss current empirical and review articles from the academic literature. To be mindful of how these health-related issues impact people’s lives, we will also read newspaper articles and other narratives.

PPPM 440 Land-Use Plan & Policy (4 credits, CRN 14499)
Instructors: M. Graciosa & A. Ferguson

Introduction to land use planning processes and policy tools that US state and local governments employ to manage and control land development. This course focuses on how long-range land use planning and policy seek to balance community goals for different types of land uses (ex. urbanization to meet housing needs with the preservation of green space; industrial land development to stimulate economic activity with the protection of natural resources, etc.). This course will explore how plan-making, policy development, and land use tools (ex. zoning, overlays, permitting, review processes, and incentive programs) work and how they can be leveraged to address pressing issues like housing needs, climate change, and social equity.

PPPM 445 Green Cities (4 credits, CRN 14500)
Instructor: M. Schlossberg

Examines the history and future of the interface between urban growth and environmental concerns, and the technological, social, and political forces that continue to shape it.

PPPM 448 Collaboration (4 credits, CRN 15899)
Instructor: S. Rosenberg

Explores theory and practice of collaboration in public and nonprofit settings, including the role of organizations, agencies, and the public. Focuses in particular on developing and practicing collaboration skills and strategies.

PPPM 465 Program Evaluation (4 credits, CRN 14502)
Instructor: J. Matthiesen

This course is intended to give you a foundational introduction, and an appreciation of, the contributions and limitations of program evaluation in the social sector. The social sector here includes organizations and agencies in the public, nonprofit, and public health domains. Together we will focus on the conceptual, organizational, methodological, and ethical problems that face evaluators, and build basic skills needed to conduct evaluations.

[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 470 The Arts in Society (4 credits, ASYNC WEB, CRN 15900)
Instructor: E. Redaelli

This course examines how to manage nonprofit organizations for superior performance in a humane, responsive, and responsible manner. Distinctive characteristics of nonprofit organizations.

[PREREQUISITE: PPPM 280]
[NPA MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 487 Impact Philanthropy (4 credits, CRN 16701)
Instructor: K. Sapkota

Explores the evolving landscape of institutions and instruments used to finance social impact solutions. The course introduces and critically analyzes the emerging field of impact philanthropy through various models of social finance, including traditional philanthropy, venture philanthropy, impact investing, social impact bonds, blended finance, and social entrepreneurship (among others). As such, it critically examines impact philanthropy, as a pathway that emerged from efforts to make philanthropy more outcome/results oriented and to maximize returns on investments in social projects. Anchored in the idea of “leverage” —i.e., a “mechanism that allows limited energy to be translated into great power” (p. 4) as discussed by Salamon (2014) in the New Frontiers of Philanthropy—the course critically examines the interplay of impact, instruments, and measurement/assessments/evaluation in funding social impact projects. Through curated readings, lectures, class discussions, projects, case studies, and guest lectures, the course aims to balance the theory and practice of provisioning “private resources for social and environmental purposes” (also known as philanthropy) (p.16) for higher impact in the United States and globally.

PPPM 488 Nonprofit Legal Issues (4 credits, CRN 14506)
Instructor: D. Lang

Nonprofit Legal Issues is a course for those who will be managing and leading nonprofits. Using practical examples, this course will review and put into context legal issues affecting nonprofit organizations. A wide range of subjects will be covered, giving a broad layman’s overview of many basic areas of law, along with nonprofit sector best practices and red flag areas. Readings will be articles and other practical material. This course is not intended for those who will practice law.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

Graduate Course Offerings – Fall 2025

Fall registration opens May 19th, 2025.

PPPM 507 Inequal Policy Sol (4 credits, graded, CRN 15902)
Instructor: TBD

PPPM 507 Environmental Justice (4 credits, graded, CRN 14509)
Instructor: P. Hunnicutt

PPPM 507 Critical Disaster (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB CRN 16662)
Instructor: A. Russo

PPPM 510 Nonprofit Leadership (2 credits, CRN 15904)
Instructor: K. Gatlin

PPPM 510 Local Government (4 credits, CRN 15906)
Instructor: C. Conrad

PPPM 510 AI in Public Sector (4 credits, CRN 15905)
Instructor: J. Melendez

Class Description generated by Professor: This class will explore the different functions AI is playing or could play in the public sector. Student will investigate the ethical dilemmas associated with using AI in the public sector as well as the possibilities it offers. The class will function both as a seminar on theories/ethics of AI in the public Sector and a workshop where students can analyze case studies, while learning and practicing using AI to address common issues facing the public sector.

PPPM 518: Introduction to Public Law (4 credits, Optional Grading, CRN 14511)
Instructor: D. Stotter

PPPM 522: Grant Proposal Writing (1 credit, CRN 14512)
Instructor: B. Choquette

PPPM 530 Public Health Policy (4 credits, CRN 15907)
Instructor: N. Ngo

In the United States, we pay almost twice as much per capita for health care as other industrial countries. Yet, there are well documented problems with health care quality and equity. This class is an introduction to the key health policy issues of access, cost, quality and disparities. For each topic, we will examine the existing evidence base, the factors contributing to the problem, the array of current approaches for addressing the issue, and the approaches included in the current health reform legislation. The course will be taught using a mix of lecture and discussion. We will read and discuss current empirical and review articles from the academic literature. To be mindful of how these health-related issues impact people’s lives, we will also read newspaper articles and other narratives.

PPPM 534 Introduction to Urban GIS (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB, CRN 14513)
Instructor: Y. Yang

Introduction to geographic information systems in areas of environmental, demographic, suitability, and transportation-related research.

PPPM 548 Collaboration (4 credits, CRN 15908)
Instructor: S. Rosenberg

PPPM 565 Program Evaluation (4 credits, CRN 14515)
Instructor: A. Russo

PPPM 570 The Arts in Society (4 credits, ASYNC WEB, CRN 15909)
Instructor: E. Redaelli

This course examines how to manage nonprofit organizations for superior performance in a humane, responsive, and responsible manner. Distinctive characteristics of nonprofit organizations.

PPPM 588 Nonprofit Legal Issues (4 credits, CRN 14518)
Instructor: D. Lang

PPPM 604: Internship (CRN 14523) Internship Nonprofit (CRN 14524) (1-10 credits*, P/NP only)
Instructor: J. Voelker-Morris

*1 credit of PPPM 604 Internship = 3 hours of internship/week during the course of a 10-week term.

[PREREQUISITE: At least one term of study in a PPPM graduate program. Students should begin discussing the internship preauthorization process with the instructor by week 6 of the term prior to the start of the proposed internship.]

PPPM 608 Workshop: Urban Design (1 credit, CRN 14528)
Instructor: K. Knudson

This workshop introduces the fundamental elements and design decisions associated with the application of urban design. Supported by lectures and hands-on workshops, students will work in small teams to research, develop and graphically represent an urban design proposal for a real site in an Oregon community. Students will be introduced to the design application of land use and zoning concepts, transportation networks, open space frameworks, block structure and street design, use scenarios, and the phasing of a vision-driven development process. A one-day site visit may be scheduled near the start of the term.

PPPM 610 Introduction to Planning Principles and Practice (3 credits, CRN 15901)
Instructor: M. Banks

Introduction to Planning Principles and Practice is intended for students in the Master of Community and Regional Planning program. The aim of this class is to introduce you to the range of planning principles and practice, and the ways in which these merge or conflict in practice. On one hand, the broad aims of planning allow it to encompass many fields including design, economics, community development, and policy. On the other hand, the vast nature of planning often makes it feel too diffuse. A key element of this course is understanding the foundations of planning that allow, and have allowed, planning – and thereby planners – to facilitate healthy cities and communities. The course will include practical aspects of the planning profession as well as exploring and discovering about what interests you specifically within the profession. Fundamentally, this class focuses on “what planners do,” which you will discover is the hardest question of the whole term.

PPPM 613 Planning Analysis I (5 credits, CRN 14530)
Instructor: A. Brown

Data sources and methods of data collection including surveys; descriptive and multivariate analysis; computer applications; selected analytic models, population projections, cost-benefit analysis.

PPPM 616 Planning Theory and Ethics (4 credits, CRN 14532)
Instructor: E. Redaelli

This course presents the AICP Code of Ethics and articulates its principles through major planning theories. Students will explore and question ethical concepts such as public interest, economic and racial equity, social equity, public trust, planning knowledge, and power. At the end of this trajectory, students will also reflect on possible new directions of planning theory. Through personal reflection, group work, and research students will learn how to master skills to navigate the theoretical side of planning.

PPPM 617 Human Settlements (4 credits, CRN 14533)
Instructor: G. Sandoval

Human Settlements focuses on the form and function of cities, how our current urbanized areas took on the characteristics they do, how the process of changing that form and function happens, and what types of changes may be needed to address big issues like climate change, social inclusion and inequality, affordability, health, and happiness.

PPPM 618 Public Sector Theory (CRN 14534) 4 cr., Graded,
Instructor: J. Hicks

This course lays a theoretical and historical base for the Master of Public Administration and Master of Nonprofit Management. It is intended to not only introduce you to the ideas of public administration and policy over the past century, but also to enable you to place yourself within the historical debates and to give you the knowledge enabling an almost prescient ability to predict the waves of public sector reforms and backlash in the future.

PPPM 623 Professional Development (CRN 14535 or 14536), 1 cr., P/NP, Instructors: R. Choquette, J. Voelker-Morris. Students articulate preliminary career goals, create foundational career documents, and map the necessary steps to accomplish these goals while developing essential baseline marketable computer applications and public presentation skills.

PPPM 628 Public Sector Economics (4 credits, CRN 14537)
Instructor: L. Leete

This course is an introduction to basic economic concepts and theory, and how these apply to analysis of the public sector. Government involvement is a common element in the economies of most countries including the United States. We consume a wide array of goods and services provided by the government sector. Examples include sidewalks, streets, public transit, education, police and fire protection, national defense and the administration of a legal system. In addition, the government sector regulates much of the activity in the private sector. These public policies are undertaken to improve economic efficiency (i.e. correct the failures of the private market) or to alter the distribution of economic well-being (improve equity). The goal of this course is to use economic tools to understand how the public sector interacts with the private economy to improve economic efficiency.

PPPM 637 48-Hour Project (1 credit, CRN 15910)
Instructor: N. Ngo

Students team to produce a professionally oriented policy analysis memorandum and presentation on an assigned topic in a 48-hour period.

PPPM 656 Quantitative Methods for Planning, Public Policy & Management (5 credits, CRN 14539)
Instructor: P. Hunnicutt

A key trend in the public and non-profit sectors is evidence-based decision-making, and this course is designed to improve your ability to use empirical evidence to make decisions related to planning, public policy, and management. You will learn the basics of statistical analysis, including which statistical techniques are appropriate to use to answer different research questions. You will use statistical tools available in Microsoft Excel to manage data and conduct statistical analysis. Both Descriptive and Inferential methods of data analysis will be investigated. Additionally, you will learn to interpret empirical findings and write about the results of data analysis in an accessible and clear manner. This course assumes no prior background in statistics and it requires no calculus. Basic algebra will be used to illustrate the intuition behind some of the statistical tests.

PPPM 680 Management of Nonprofit Organizations (4 credits, CRN 14541)
Instructor: D. Mason

This course will cover principles of effective management in nonprofit organizations, focusing on leadership, governance, legal structure and standards, strategic communications, volunteer administration and the role of nonprofits in solving some of society’s greatest problems. This course will not only provide a “how to” in managing nonprofit organizations, but will provide some of the research and theory on issues facing nonprofits, and help us approach problems from a strategic perspective grounded in both theory and practice. In doing so, we will use real world examples and experiences to ensure that academic lessons translate to the nonprofit experience.

PPPM 686 Nonprofit 48-Hour Charrette (1 credit, CRN 15911)
Instructor: TBA

The 48-Hour Charrette, offered to 2nd-year Master of Nonprofit Management students and others with instructor approval, requires students to complete a management memo on an assigned topic. All of the work will be completed within a 48-hour period starting on September 21, 2022. This short turnaround mimics the high stakes, deadline-intensive schedule that characterizes professional work in the nonprofit sector. Students will attend a program launch on the first day of the project and will receive their topic, plus their team rosters. 48 hours later, the student groups will turn in their completed projects’ written portion and make PowerPoint presentations summarizing their findings. These presentations may be attended by other faculty members, nonprofit professionals and members of the public. Finally, the class will be concluded with a “Reflections and Debriefing” session during the Fall term (date to be confirmed after the presentation).

PPPM 687 Nonprofit Board Governance (1 credit, CRN 14543)
Instructor: D. Lang

Students serve on governing boards of nonprofit organizations for one year: fall, winter, and spring terms. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 3 credits.