General provisions

The course is offered within the Master's Programme in International Humanitarian Action, 120 credits and the Master's Programme in Humanitarian Action and Conflict, 60 credits.

Entry requirements

The course on Anthropology in Humanitarian Action is only available to students admitted to the Master Programme in International Humanitarian Action and the Master Programme in Humanitarian Action and Conflict.

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. Students should have the following competences after successful completion of the module:

• an understanding of the importance of local knowledge systems with specific terminologies and sets of contexts;
• an ability to assess the dynamics of articulation between local, regional and global systems of distribution and appropriation;
• a capacity to evaluate the possible consequences of various solutions in particular contexts;
• an ability to serve as mediator and communicator between recipients of humanitarian action and various other specialists;
• an ability to 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.

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. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination is by individual written assignments based on the course literature as well as group presentations of themes relevant to humanitarian action. Grade: VG, G or U (Pass with Distinction, Pass or Fail) as well as ECTS grades.

Other regulations

Language of instruction: English

Transitional provisions

Students on a course regulated by this syllabus have the right to be examined for up to two years after their course instance has ended, and in accordance with this syllabus. In exceptional circumstances, they may also be examined later. Normally, instruction will only be given according to the latest version of the course syllabus.