Anthropology 305 - Pol of Humanitarian Aid

Over the past two decades, humanitarian aid has been put forward as a mechanism for promoting global change. Foundations such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have become household names. Hollywood films such as Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda, and Lost Boys of Sudan offer emotional testimony that wills us to “do something.”  Although humanitarianism has existed in some form for centuries through mission work and scientific expeditions, this course examines the growing debate over the philosophical, moral, political, cultural and operational practices of such interventions. This course will explore the purposes, missions and effectiveness of humanitarian aid and the various approaches taken by activists, missionaries, lawyers, social scientists, and filmmakers to understand its many challenges.

Limited to 20 students.  Fall semester.  Visiting Professor Hall.