Humanitarianism and Development

Recommended Prerequisites

General knowledge of humanitarian and development aid international dynamics.

English language (reading and comprehension).

Knowledge of techniques and styles of academic writing.   

Teaching Methods

The organization of the seminars assumes an active participation from the students. Besides the theoretical framing of the different topics, particular importance is given to content analysis and context debate focused on course readings and case-studies that inform the debates under analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Overall learning objectives

Knowledge on humanitarian and development assistance theories as well as the debates associated.

Specific objectives and competencies

- Understanding the concepts and logics underlying humanitarianism and development aid

- Identification and critical analysis of the main debates associated with humanitarian and development assistance

- Critical analysis of concrete case studies of humanitarian action and development aid

- Identification and critical analysis of the implications associated with different existing options regarding humanitarian and development assistance regarding the international system, the external actors involved and the local population

Generic competencies

Development of critical analysis and synthesis skills, oral and written communication.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Logics of intervention based on the conflict cycle (from the continuum to the contiguum)

2. From classical humanitarianism to the new humanitarianism (theories, principles, debates)

        2.1- Evolution and context (‘old wars’ vs ‘new wars’ and failed states)

        2.2- From neutrality to politicization of humanitarian action

        2.3- New problems and challenges to humanitarian action

3. From economic growth to sustainable human development (theories, principles and debates)

        3.1- Evolution and context  (economic growth vs Sustainable Development Goals)       

3.2- From basic needs to development aid politicization

        3.3- New challenges to development aid

4. Liberal peace and its impact on humanitarian action and development aid  

Head Lecturer(s)

Daniela Rute dos Santos Nascimento

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Periodic or by final exam as given in the course information: 100.0%

Bibliography

Barnett, Michael (2011) Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism. Ithaca: Cornell University Press (978-0-8014-4713-6)

Carothers, Thomas; Gramont, Diane De (2013) Development Aid Confronts Politics: The Almost Revolution. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (eISBN: 978-0-87003-402-2)

Eade, Deborah; Vaux, Tony (2007) Development and Humanitarianism: practical issues. Bloomfield: Kumarian Press (978-1-56549-239-4)

Groves, Leslie; Hinton, Rachel (2013) Inclusive Aid: Changing Power and Relationships in International Development. Routledge (1136563164, 9781136563164)

Riddell, Roger C. (2007) Does Foreign Aid Really Work? Oxford University Press (0191623180, 9780191623189)

Simon, David; Narman, Anders (2014) Development as Theory and Practice: Current Perspectives on Development and Development Co-operation. Routledge (131787658X, 9781317876588)

Weiss, Thomas (2013) Humanitarian Business. Cambridge: Polity Press (978-0-7456-6331-9).