HRTS GU4215

This class provides a really thorough investigation of the different types of NGOs, their theories of change, and their relative impacts. We also learned a lot about the strategies and tactics of various NGOs, domestically and globally, which provided a good base for comparison. In particular, the time spent on funding was really interesting, and not information I had encountered in other classes, largely due to Professor Bickford's expertise in the area.

It was interesting to get the perspective of someone so deeply ingrained in the world of high powered/high money NGOs. However, in terms of new content I did not feel like I learned a ton.

The course offers a solid working knowledge of NGOs and their strategies.

This class would be particularly valuable to those interested in going into some sort of funding or NGOs more broadly, as well as those looking for a more practical class that looks at concrete examples more than theoretical concepts.

It felt like the course wasn't offering any new perspectives on NGOs, but rather focusing a lot on the big names. It would have been interesting to go deeper into what smaller/less western orgs do and how they promote human rights. Additionally, I would have loved more guest speakers with other perspectives. At time the course felt really white/euro/male-centric. Would have loved to see other voices and perspectives promoted. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: HRTSGU4215_001_2021_3-NGOs&THEHUMANRIGHTSMOVEMENT : HRTSGU4215_001_2021_3 - NGOs & THE HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT Instructor: Louis Bickford

This is a practical course. I appreciated that is was less "academic" in terms of theory. I learned as much from the other students and their real world experience at NGOs as from the readings. I learned about how an NGO operates, it strengths and weaknesses as a tool for solving human rights problems, as well as the the different roles of areas you can work in an NGO.

Make-up and operations of various NGOs and international networks of organizations. Strategies and theories of change employed by NGOs, how to approach NGO work from both an organizational member/donor or board perspective, perspectives on the critiques of the NGO system and its ties to colonialism, etc.

I learned a lot about how NGOs work and how they're structured, including challenges with their work and practical tips about their function. I felt like it really prepared me for a career either in the NGO world or interacting with it, and Professor Bickford is really enthusiastic and knowledgeable as an instructor.

NGO strategy, changemakers in the field, Donor strategy, Foundation work, protest movements, recent developments in the field, transitional justice

We learned about some of the technical aspects of NGO and foundation work and otherwise widely discussed NGO and civil society work