(Fall 2012) SOC 295 NGOs as Organizations, as Workplaces, and as Actors (Chris Hunter), 4 credits, prerequisite: none, Sociology 111 or Political Science 101 recommended.  Non-governmental organizations have unique properties: they frequently tackle tasks that for-profit organizations and governments can't or won't perform; NGOs attract workers who want more than just a paycheck and volunteers who want to serve others or enact their faith; and NGOs are organized in distinctive ways.  We will examine why NGOs exist, how NGOs organize to do their work (especially relating to the creation and implementation of public policies), how participants change through their involvement in that work, and what kinds of practical and moral dilemmas NGOs encounter.  We will visit the offices of local NGOs and will have staff from NGOs visit class.