POSC 354 - Global Humanitarianism

Credit(s): 3

GLOBAL HUMANITARIANISM
Component: Discussion
This course explores the politics, ethics, and dimensions of cultural diversity that are embedded in situations of global humanitarianism-but often ignored, through claims of the supposed ‘neutrality’ of humanitarian intervention. Humanitarianism claims that all humans have the same right to care and protection, yet in reality human life continues to be unfairly stratified according to race, sexuality, gender, and ability: something that humanitarianism does not automatically solve. In this class, we dig deep into the ways that politics and social position frames humanitarian encounters, and we will particularly focus on the ways that people within groups who receive these interventions-particularly in continental Africa, or in situations of forced migration-themselves perceive and experience them. We go beyond the spectacle of celebrity humanitarianism, and consider instead the historical and cultural specificity of humanitarianism, and the politics of life and death.
Repeatable for Credit: N Allowed Units: 3 Multiple Term Enrollment: N Grading Basis: Student Option

Crosslisted: Crosslisted with ANTH 354 and WOMS 354.

Requirement Designations: Multicultural Course Typically Offered: Spring

General Education Objectives:
GE1A: Read Critically GE1B: Analyze Arguments and Information GE2A: Communicate Effectively in Writing GE2B: Communicate Orally GE3B: Work Individually Across a Variety of Cultures GE4: Critically Evaluate Ethical Implications