1130331 – Civil society and non-profit organizations in democratic societies

The course is focused on the understanding of civil society and non-profit organizations' roles and functions in contemporary society. As a part of the course, students will take part in the regular online session and they will work individually or in groups on several assignments; they will discuss topics connected with civil society and non-profit organizations in the European context and critically reflect on the role of civil society in democratic societies. A brief outline of the course: Civil society, the third sector, and non-governmental organizations: the basic assumptions and concepts Historical examples of NGOs The third sector in the EU at present Current challenges of NGOs Organisational management of NGOs Financing of NGOs Volunteering as part of the third sector In the framework of this course, students have to create a portfolio containing the tasks assigned during the semester which are connected to the analysed problems during the classes. They should also individually write an academic essay in which they critically reflect on the role of civil society and non-profit organizations in democratic societies.