Anthropology 316HD - Special Topics in Anthropology: 'Problematizing Humanitarianism'

The emergence of modern humanitarianism connecting different parts of the world is either lauded as evincing progress in human evolution, or criticized as masking the advancement of Western imperialism. In this course we will examine the complex and shifting relationships between gender, race, class, religious conceptions and practices of charity, the global spread of capitalism through colonialism and enslavement, and the emergence of international humanitarianism. Final projects for the course will be based on student research conducted in the Mount Holyoke College archives.

Prereq: ANTHR-105 and 4 additional credits in Anthropology, Sociology, History, or Gender Studies.