This is an informal lecture/discussion series that examines ideas and practices for addressing social needs in the U.S. and internationally through innovative non-profit, private sector and non-governmental organizations, and also through public-nonprofit-private sector partnerships. The series presents practitioners who are invited to share with us not only their professional ideas, practices, and perspective in their work, but also their personal interest in this work - how and why they became social innovators and entrepreneurs. The course is oriented this year to issues related to the creation and development of U.S. and international social sector initiatives- with an eye towards giving students perspectives on becoming involved in or starting their own social entrepreneurship projects. The speaker series is organized and led by students from the Stanford social entrepreneurship group, FUSION, and the Graduate School of Business’ Social Venture Club, with faculty guidance.

    » Provide a forum for a selective presentation and discussion of the ideas and practices of social innovation and social entrepreneurship.

    » Provide accessible speaker presentations and resources that allow students to question and develop their own beliefs regarding issues confronted in class and in their lives.

    » Enhance the community framework for social purpose initiatives both within Stanford (student, faculty, staff) and in connection with outside organizations.

    » Support an environment which may assist and inspire the creation and development of student initiated social entrepreneurship projects, including those created for the Stanford Social Entrepreneurs’ Challenge.

The course will consist of eleven speaker discussions. Speakers are invited to be interactive and collaborative in their lecture/discussions.

There are neither required nor recommended prerequisites. All perspectives are welcome.

Concurrent enrollment in the “lab” PP193/UrbanSt 163L “Social Entrepreneurship Collaboratory” is recommended for those students interested in creating and/or developing a U.S. or international social sector initiative.

The course organizers and the course website will reference weblinks and readings as appropriate to individual speakers and topics. There are no textbooks. Students are welcome to contribute and share materials they deem useful or informative with the class.

    » The class will be offered solely with the Satisfactory/No Credit grading option (1 unit of course credit). In order to earn a Satisfactory grade students must attend nine of the eleven class meetings.
    » If any additional class must be missed, a 2-3 page written assignment will be accepted for equivalent credit.
    » A 2-3 page “idea” paper will be due on Tuesday, December 2, for all students.