Stanford Courses & Seminars

Stanford PACS affiliated faculty and scholars teach courses and seminars for undergraduates, masters and Ph.D. students. Topics range from philanthropy and civil society to governance, policy, and more. Hands-on courses offer ways to translate ideas to action. 

To see when specific courses are offered, visit Navigate Classes.

 

Courses

  • Democracy and Disagreement

    PHIL 30  |
    2025-2026
    Winter
    Instructors:
    • Paul Brest
    • Debra Satz
    Deep disagreement pervades our democracy, from arguments over issues ranging from foreign policy, free speech, and reparations to college admissions policy and the professionalization of college athletics. Loud voices drown out discussion. Open-mindedness, humility, and critical thinking seem in short supply among politicians, citizens, and other residents alike. Yet constructive...

  • Philanthropy for Sustainable Development

    Polisci POLISCI 236  |
    2025-2026
    Winter
    Instructors:
    • Michalchik, V.
    • Bromley, P.
    This course teaches students how to pursue social change through philanthropy with a focus on sustainable development. Students learn about the approaches, history, and key debates in philanthropy, and apply their knowledge by collaboratively making a substantial class contribution to one or more select nonprofit organizations. This class responds to...