Humanitarian Studies: Theory & Practice

Stephanie Kayden, Michael VanRooyen, Peter Walker\’s course 05432: Humanitarian Studies: Theory & Practice will meet in FAS, Emerson Hall, room 101 on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM.

Offered jointly with the School of Public Health and taught by individuals with extensive experience and scholarship in humanitarian efforts worldwide, this course will present a practical, in-depth analysis of the complex issues and skills needed to engage in humanitarian and disaster responses in field settings. Through lectures by the faculty and guest speakers who are experts in their topical areas, students will gain familiarity with the primary frameworks of the humanitarian field, including international humanitarian law, rebuilding livelihoods, Sphere standards, shelter and settlement planning, water and sanitation facilities, food aid, and protection of displaced populations. Students will also be asked to participate in a three-day intensive simulation of a humanitarian crisis, scheduled this academic year for April 27-29, 2012, in a park location north of Boston. No prior humanitarian education or experience is assumed. For information about the Humanitarian Studies Initiative of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, a University-wide effort, please visit www.hhi.harvard.edu