General provisions

The course is offered within the Master's Programme in International Humanitarian Action 120 ECTS credits.

Entry requirements

The course on Anthropology in Humanitarian Action is only available to students admitted to the NOHA programme.

Learning outcomes

The aim of this module is to introduce a systematic and holistic understanding of how anthropological theories and methods can contribute to the field of humanitarian action. Competences developed in this module permit the student to:

- understand the importance of local knowledge systems with specific terminologies and sets of contexts

- assess the dynamics of articulation between local, regional and global systems of distribution and appropriation. This may include a critical stance towards the internal structure of the humanitarian action per se

- develop a capacity to evaluate the possible consequences of various solutions in particular contexts

- serve as mediator and communicator between recipients of humanitarian action and various other specialists

- promote a culturally sensitive approach to humanitarian action that enhances and facilitates local participation.

Content

The content of this module stresses culture and communication as fundamental integrative concepts. It emphasises the importance of ethnographic fieldwork and the understanding of technical and cultural knowledge, and the concomitant of guidelines and ethics. The module presents comparative, gender and interdisciplinary perspectives applied to relevant case studies dealing with local knowledge, refugees, IDPs, armed conflict, forced displacement, health.

Instruction

The module is taught by means of lectures and seminars. For the seminars the students are expected to prepare and make oral presentations in tutorial groups. Language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination is realised by individual written assignments based on the course literature in addition to group presentations of themes relevant to humanitarian action. The grades Godkänd (pass) or Väl Godkänd (distinction) are given on successful completion of the module as well as ECTS grades.

Other regulations

Language of instruction: English

Transitional provisions

Members of a course regulated by a former version of this course plan have the possibility to be examined in accordance with that course plan within two years after the closure of the course. If there are particular reasons, such an examination can take place also later on. Normally no instruction in accordance with former versions of the course plan is given.