This course begins with a historical overview of the evolution of the modern labor movement — as social movement, as industrial relations model, to the current state of organized labor in transition. Particular attention will be paid to the impact this evolution has had on American social, political and economic life. Students will then examine in depth the state of organized labor and labor organizing today: the importance of labor market share, how global trade and a global economy impact models for organizing new workers, and the opportunities and obstacles to organizing that are both internal and external to labor unions. From this understanding the course will examine two often intertwined but different models of union leadership — social movement leadership and institutional leadership. A key question will be: What are the different aims (and oftentimes tensions) between managing a successful institution and building a social movement, and what type of leadership does each demand? In the last half of the course, students will analyze in-depth three case studies that raise emerging union organizing models and present their own findings. Class will be run as a seminar with active participation of all students.

MAPL 5202 - Nonprofits and Government: The public and private partnership
This course is designed to give students an in-depth look at the intersection between non-profits and government.

Designed to give students an in-depth look at the intersection between non-profits and government. The course will address the origin, growth and future of the relationship between non-profit organizations and the government sector. In addition, current and historical partnerships will be reviewed. Through readings, case studies, and guest lecturers students will be exposed to the challenges of these partnerships as well as success stories. Students will be exposed to the State and Federal programs related to economic development, housing, and social services. Students will also discuss the devolution of government functions to third parties and private organizations, as well as the associated funding implications.

MAPL 5307 - Political and Advocacy Leadership
Helps advocates to strengthen abilities to lead wisely, ethically and effectively in political settings. Provides an interdisciplinary framework to explore the principles of power and leadership, and features effective political leaders from Minnesota and Wisconsin who discuss their principles of leadership.
The student will learn and understand:
• What it means to be a leader
• Moral Leadership
• Leadership and Authority
• Courage and Leadership
• Group Dynamics and Decision-making
• Creativity and Reality
• Listening and Communication
• Inspiration and Creativity

MAPL 5308 - The Impact of Art on Social Change
Analysis and understanding of how art works influence public perception, political will, social policy. Topics include environmental protection, labor movement, attitudes toward war, civil rights, and gay and lesbian rights. Art forms examined include drama, literature, film, music, photography, painting.

The student will learn and understand:
• The impact of drama, literature, music, and visual arts on social change movements in the United States.
• An understanding of the artistic merits specific works read/viewed for class.
• Analytical skills: methods for examining reviews, news coverage, interviews, historic accounts and other evidence leading to an assessment of the impact of these works on public opinion and decision makers.
• Artists’ intent: distinctions among works created as art and works created for political purposes.
The role of nonprofit organizations, labor unions, and informal groups in the production of art and the use of art to engage audiences.

MAPL 5311 - Advocacy in the Public Sector: Service in the Elected Branch
First of two required segments of the concentration, advocacy in the public sector. Prepares for current or future careers in the elected branches of government, at the local, regional, state or national level as members of councils, boards, the Legislature or Congress, or as staff to those elected. Familiarizes students with three essential skills for persons interested in such careers, instruction on understanding and using public opinion measurement, instruction on best practices for those operating as staff to elected or appointed officials, and instruction on media relations in a political setting; all three skills-oriented segments will be taught by guest lecturers with outstanding credentials; the first and last three-hour periods of the class will discuss the ethical dimensions of working in the political realm.

CORE CLASS - MAPL 6001 The Political Process and Public Policy (3 cr)(1st class of core classes)
Course Description: In the early stages of this course, students gain familiarity with the concepts of agenda setting and policy development and on the variable meanings used in the political arena to define core concepts like equitable and efficient. After reading and reporting to the rest of the class on a leading book from the public affairs literature, students then focus primarily on the end of the year assignment, in which they pick a policy they wish to see enacted or changed, then prepare background papers and oral presentations arguing for that enactment or change.