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 the active participation of 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 specific 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 including the international system, the external actors involved and the local population

Generic skills

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

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Humanitarianism: foundations, concepts and theories about classical humanitarian action

2. ‘Old’ and ‘New Wars’. Failed states and complex political emergencies

3. The ‘New Humanitarianism’: from neutrality to the politicization of aid

4. Humanitarianism: challenges and debates around the use of force for humanitarian purposes

5. Development aid: from economic growth to sustainable human development (theories, principles, debates)

6. Development aid: from economic growth to the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals

7. Humanitarianism, Development and Security: from basic needs to the politicization of aid

8. Critical analysis of the (dis)articulations of global interventionism and the impact of liberal peace

Head Lecturer(s)

Paula Duarte Lopes

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 100.0%

Bibliography

Barnett, M. (2011) Empire of Humanity. A History of Humanitarianism. Cornell University
de Haan, A. (2023) How the Aid Industry Works: The Politics and Practice of International Development. Lynne Rienner
Duffield, M. (2010) The Liberal Way of Development and the Development Security Impasse: Exploring the Global Life-Chance Divide. Security Dialogue, 41(1)
Fisher, A., & Fukuda-Parr, S. (2019) Introduction—Data, Knowledge, Politics and Localizing the SDGs. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 20(4)
Gabay, C., & Ilcan, S. (2019) The Politics of Destination in the 2030 SDG’s: Leaving No-one Behind? Routledge

Olivié, I., & Pérez, A. (2019) Aid power & politics. Routledge
Pureza, JM., & Nascimento, D. (2024) O humanitarismo em mudança: do socorrismo aos intervencionismos. IUC
Slim, H. (2021) Solferino 21: Warfare, Civilians and Humanitarians in the Twenty-First Century. Hurts & Co. Pub.
Vaux, T.; Eade, D. (2007) Development and Humanitarianism: Practical Issues. Kumarian Press