Patronizing the Public: American Philanthropy’s Transformation of Culture, Communication, and the Humanities. Buxton, William J. (ed.) (2009). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books. pp. 350.

Communication scholars increasingly are interested in philanthropies and philanthropic activities. Scholar-ship, courses, and new programs are devoted to the study of philanthropies. Typically, the focus is on how the study of communication can contribute to philanthropies and philanthropic activities. The University of Northern Iowa, for instance, offers an M.A. degree in philanthropic development, and the Department of Communication Studies offers courses in support of this program. The courses focus on how an understanding of communication can assist in the design of philanthropic campaigns and how communication theory can inform the choices philanthropies make. [Read more...]