The Humanitarian World

This unit is an enhanced Cloud (online) unit consisting of four modules. The introduction provides an overview of the history and development of humanitarian assistance. The first module explores the history of humanitarianism followed by the principles, theories, and values that inform current practices in the field in the second module. In the third module, we will learn about the various actors involved in the humanitarian system and analyse the emerging trends. Finally, we will critically discuss some of the dilemmas faced by the humanitarian sector. Through the use of case studies and interaction with humanitarian experts from around the world, we will examine the importance of ethical practice to successful humanitarian outcomes. This will include the study of relevant case studies across geographical and cultural contexts.

At the completion of this unit, successful students can:
ULO1: Articulate a scholarly, as well as personal understanding and critical examination of the complexities of the historical development of humanitarianism across geo-, socio- and political contexts.
ULO2: Critically evaluate ideas and arguments, developed through individual research, to identify how ethics, principles and values inform humanitarian action.
ULO3: Using digital research and communication tools to collaborate, investigate and critically reflect on the changing nature of humanitarian action and relationships between stakeholders at all levels of the humanitarian ecosystem and make recommendations to enhance future practice.

Burwood: 5 x 2 hour Seminar plus 6 x 2 hour Online Seminar per Trimester
Cloud: Learning experiences are via FutureLearn

Journal, 20%, 1000 words
Report, 30%, 1500 words
Research and Writing Exercise, 50%, 2500 words

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