BSc International Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response

This course explores the multiple histories of humanitarianism and their resonances with today. It will introduce students to the complex past of humanitarian action in its European and non-European forms, from charities to international non-governmental organisations. Students will reflect on the usefulness of this history for the current humanitarian sector.

• Explore different meanings of humanitarianism
• Apply historical, legal and political perspectives in order to understand the origins, institutions and basic concepts of the contemporary international humanitarian system
• Deepen critical reasoning and intellectual curiosity
• Strengthen written and oral communication skills
• Engage critically with a wide range of academic literature

• Understand key concepts around the history of humanitarian aid;
• Develop a critical understanding of the diverse origins of humanitarian relief work
• Understand the long-term impact of this history in current humanitarian discourses and practices
• Address how academic historical writings can challenge how practitioners understand humanitarianism and its history 

• Critically engage with  the literature related to the history of humanitarianism
• Develop an understanding of the methodological challenges of history writing and their relevance beyond the discipline.
• Further develop awareness of current humanitarian affairs and their longer histories

• Demonstrate analytical and debating skills with peers and tutor
• Demonstrate efficiency and creativity in writing
• Show effective use of library resources and search engine to gather information

• Develop communication skills for a variety of audiences
• Develop, plan and achieve individual research outcomes
• Develop analytical skills and the ability to articulate ideas verbally and in writing
• Develop confidence articulating ideas and opinions during group discussions

Barnett, Michael. Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2011).

Fazal Tanisha. Wars of Law: Unintended Consequences in the Regulation of Armed Conflict (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2018).

Ibhawoh Bonny, ‘Humanitarians and Abolitionists’ in Human Rights in Africa. New Approaches to African History (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).

O'Sullivan, Kevin, The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021). 

Palmieri, Daniel. “An Institution Standing the Test of Time? A Review of 150 Years of the History of the International Committee of the Red Cross”, International Review of the Red Cross 94:888 (2012): 1-26.

Salvatici Silvia. A history of humanitarianism, 1755-1989. In the name of others (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2019), 1-13.