INTL 5700: Humanitarian Issues in International Politics

Course Description

This course will examine the role of humanitarian issues in international politics. Class topics include the evolution of the "humanitarian idea" and its relation to the different perspectives in international relations and to the post-9/11 world, recent humanitarian crises and international responses to them, ethical issues arising from these crises, and the various actors involved in humanitarian issues (governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, armed movements, ethnic and religious groups, etc.).

Course Objectives

To understand the definitions of humanitarianism, humanitarian crises and interventions, complex emergencies, peace operations, and the humanitarian community.
To study and evaluate the causes, courses, and consequences of selected humanitarian crises and interventions.
To understand the impact on international relations of humanitarian issues in terms of actors, resources, the making and execution of appropriate policies, ethical issues, and trends.
To develop research competencies through use of the internet and other resources.

Prerequisites

Students should understand the theories and concepts taught in INTL 5000, such as the nature of the international state system, levels of analysis, realism, idealism, and complex interdependency. Students must possess the verbal and analytical skills expected at a graduate level. Students should be able to comprehend and evaluate course material and effectively communicate their observations in writing and classroom discussions. Students are expected to have read their assignments prior to each class, including the first week, and should be prepared to discuss the study topics each week: participation is part of the grade.

Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Click here for more information about textbooks for online courses..

Course Activities

The course will be conducted entirely online. Students are expected to participate in all course activities as assigned by the instructor. Course activities may include extensive reading, papers, presentations, discussions, quizzes, and/or group projects.

Policy Statements

Webster University strives to be a center of academic excellence. As part of our Statement of Ethics, the University strives to preserve academic honor and integrity by repudiating all forms of academic and intellectual dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and all other forms of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and is subject to disciplinary action. The University reserves the right to utilize electronic databases, such as Turnitin.com, to assist faculty and students with their academic work. Students who are discovered cheating or committing plagiarism will be awarded a failing grade for the course, and may be subject to dismissal or further discipline.

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

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