To explore many differing views on well-intended philanthropy with students. Review some of the dangers of philanthropy such as inappropriate intervention, inappropriate verbiage, and naiveté.
Students will read and discuss selections from the text, Toxic Charity, covering topics such as public health, homelessness and welfare.
Class set of Lupton, Robert D. (2011). Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
(NOTE: An alternative book that has also been used in this class to have similar discussions about the dangers of philanthropy is: MacDonald, Heather (2001). The Burden of Bad Ideas: How Modern Intellectuals Misshape Our Society.)
Homework assignment of chapters followed by class discussion.