CHIST 3450 International Humanitarianism: History and Ethics
Humanitarianism is defined by a belief in the ethical imperative to take action to relieve the suffering of others. International humanitarian aid has had a profound effect on the social, legal, and ethical development of the modern world. However, the principles and practices of humanitarianism has changed dramatically over the last 200 years. This course examines the history and ethical principles of international humanitarian organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders from 1863 to the present. This history highlights a set of ethical tensions that continue to characterize international humanitarianism today, including: the influence of nationalism, imperialism, and human rights on aid provision from the global north to the global south; the changing definition of whose suffering is considered “worthy” of aid; the conflict between governments’ foreign policy and independent humanitarian organizations; and the tension between emergency relief and long-term development.
Prerequisite
CLITR 1100, OR one 1000- or 2000-level CHIST or CHUMS course, OR a 4 or 5 on the AP History test, OR permission of the instructor