Spring 2019 - IS 302 J100
Introduction to Humanitarian Intervention (4)
Class Number: 7596
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Geetanjali Gill
gga28@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Investigates complex emergencies and the outcomes of conflict, specifically forced migration by refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
The course explores complex interacting factors in humanitarian contexts. A wide range of factors and events (natural and manmade) can give rise to humanitarian conflicts and crises. Equally, humanitarian ‘intervention’ encompasses a wide range of issues, actions, and challenges. We explore the legal, political, social, and ethical dimensions to humanitarian interventions and outcomes. Interventions can include: legal protection and enforcement, advocacy, monitoring, delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance, peacekeeping, and armed force. The course looks at the challenges of identifying certain events as ‘humanitarian crises’ and responding to them accordingly.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Students will examine the assumptions underlying, and challenges within, different approaches to international humanitarian intervention, in differing social, cultural, and organisational contexts. Students will also critically examine the different actors involved in humanitarian interventions – state and non-state – and the impacts of their interventions. Several case studies will be studied in detail in the course.
Classes are composed of lectures and seminar-style discussions, group work, and presentations. Students are expected to have read assigned readings before the start of each class, and to engage with the readings during group discussions. Group discussions and group work will draw out the relevance and implications of issues raised in lectures and readings. Students will have some flexibility and choice in the selection of topics for the presentation, exam questions, and final research papers.
Grading
- Attendance and Participation 15%
- 2 Response Papers (choice of topics, 1000 words each) 30%
- Presentation and Written Summary (choice of topics, 15 minutes, 500 words) 20%
- Final Research Paper (choice of topics, 2500 words) 35%
NOTES:
Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.
The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Readings are assigned from books and articles, which will be available at the SFU libraries (on reserve and online), and on Canvas.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS