Histories of Humanitarianism

HCRI10202 Histories of Humanitarianism 20 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 1 Antoine Burgard Unit coordinator Humanitarian Conflict Response Institute 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' First part HE study/Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 10.0 This course explores the multiple histories of humanitarianism and their resonances with today. It will introduce students to the complex past of humanitarian action in its Western and non-Western forms, from charities to international non-governmental organisations. Its first part examines the origins of the Western humanitarian system (the Red Cross and the laws of war, slavery and antislavery, and colonialism). The second part focuses on the principle of neutrality through case-study based sessions, for instance the Red Cross during the Holocaust, Save the Children during decolonial struggles, or MSF during the genocide in Rwanda. The last part intends to go beyond Eurocentric understandings by looking at South and East Asian approaches to humanitarianism. Throughout the semester, students will reflect on the usefulness of history for the current humanitarian sector and discuss how historians and practitioners can learn from each other.  This course explores the multiple histories of humanitarianism and their resonances with today. It will introduce students to the complex past of humanitarian action in its European and non-European forms, from charities to international non-governmental organisations. Students will reflect on the usefulness of this history for the current humanitarian sector.  <ul><li>Explore different meanings of humanitarianism</li><li>Apply historical, legal and political perspectives in order to understand the origins, institutions and basic concepts of the contemporary international humanitarian system</li><li>Deepen critical reasoning and intellectual curiosity</li><li>Strengthen written and oral communication skills</li><li>Engage critically with a wide range of academic literature</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Understand key concepts around the history of humanitarian aid;</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Develop a critical understanding of the diverse origins of humanitarian relief work</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Understand the long-term impact of this history in current humanitarian discourses and practices</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Address how academic historical writings can challenge how practitioners understand humanitarianism and its history </li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Critically engage with  the literature related to the history of humanitarianism</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Develop an understanding of the methodological challenges of history writing and their relevance beyond the discipline.</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Further develop awareness of current humanitarian affairs and their longer histories</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Demonstrate analytical and debating skills with peers and tutor</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Demonstrate efficiency and creativity in writing</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Show effective use of library resources and search engine to gather information</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Develop communication skills for a variety of audiences</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Develop, plan and achieve individual research outcomes</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Develop analytical skills and the ability to articulate ideas verbally and in writing</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Develop confidence articulating ideas and opinions during group discussions</li></ul> Analytical skills Editorial and analytical skills Evidence-led decision-making Putting together and maintaining arguments (useful for a marketing/awareness campaign or business case) Oral communication Oral and communication skills, especially in terms of comprehending large amounts of information and drawing reasoned conclusions Other Meeting deadlines Working autonomously 0 Other 100%  <figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Assessment Task</td><td>Formative or Summative</td><td>Length</td><td>Weighting within unit (if summative)</td></tr><tr><td>Primary Source Analysis</td><td>Summative</td><td>800 words</td><td>30%</td></tr><tr><td>Essay outlines</td><td>Formative</td><td>300 words</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>Essay (from list)</td><td>Summative</td><td>2,200 words</td><td>70%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>  <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:662px;" width="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width:322px;">Written feedback on assignments</td> <td style="width:340px;">Summative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:322px;">Verbal feedback via 1 on 1 meetings with students</td> <td style="width:340px;">Formative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:322px;height:7px;">Written  feedback on essay outlines</td> <td style="width:340px;height:7px;">Formative</td> </tr> </tbody></table>  Y Barnett, Michael. Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2011).Davey, Eleanor, Borton, John and Foley, Matthew. HPG Working Paper: A history of the humanitarian system. Western origins and foundations (London: Overseas Development Institute, 2013) Fazal Tanisha. Wars of Law: Unintended Consequences in the Regulation of Armed Conflict (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2018).Ibhawoh Bonny, ‘Humanitarians and Abolitionists’ in Human Rights in Africa. New Approaches to African History (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).Irwin, Julia. Humanitarianism. A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Pres, 2026). O'Sullivan, Kevin, The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021). Salvatici Silvia. A history of humanitarianism, 1755-1989. In the name of others (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2019).  Lectures 22 Seminars 10 0 168