Introduction and History of Cooperatives

In this course, students will begin to develop the skills and insight needed to develop and manage a cooperative business. We will explore the origins of the cooperative movement and the cooperative principles, and cooperative models through real-world examples. Each week, students will use lectures, readings, and media to explore the cooperative model and history of cooperatives. Students will also focus on content and theory around team leadership and management skills, including project management, communication, continuous learning, and teamwork.

This course is offered in partnership with the Northwest Cooperative Development Center (NWCDC) and is offered fully online through Canvas  It requires both asynchronous work as well as meeting synchronously for 3-hour sessions on Zoom on four Saturdays throughout the quarter. Saturday meeting dates and times are as follows: Saturday, October 1 9AM-12PM PST; Saturday, October 22; Saturday, November 5 9AM-12PM PST; and Saturday, December 3 9AM-12PM PST.

Our study will require 10 hours of out-of-classroom work per week for weeks we do not meet synchronously and 3 hours of synchronous work and 7 out-of-classroom hours of work for weeks we have a Saturday synchronous session. Technology required for successful engagement includes high speed internet and a computer (not just a cell phone) for Canvas; Zoom (including breakout rooms with audio and video), and MS Office 365 including One-Drive. Students will also need to be able to conduct online research. If students find themselves unable to participate due to technology, caregiving obligations, economic disruption, health risk, or illness, they should be pro-active in working with faculty.