Introduction to Humanitarian Action – CLCM 205

CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to the field of humanitarian action. Building on a sound theology of humanitarian response and human rights, students will come to understand appropriate compassionate action at home and abroad. In this course, the principles of sustainable relief which does not harm the local economy, and which maintain the dignity of those assisted will be taught.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Millions of people face displacement or dire need and suffering each year as a result of war, violence, persecution, disasters, or human rights issues. Humanitarian action focuses on alleviating such suffering, and saving lives, all while maintaining human dignity. This ministry of compassion is not as simple as offering material goods, healthcare, education, or shelter. Citizens of the western world should pay particular attention to understanding sound principles for meeting the needs they encounter.

Course Assignment

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLO: A, B, C)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Video Discussion. Each thread must be at least 5 minutes in length and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200 words. (CLO: A, B, C)

As a final project, the student will write a 5-page research-based paper in current Turabian format. The paper will include two sections, a reflection based on initial comments presented in Module One and an application answering questions provided in the assignment instructions. The paper should be at least 1250 words in length and include at least four references including course textbooks and Scripture. (CLO: A, B, C)

The student will evaluate an international humanitarian according to principles presented during the course and included in the assignment. The student will submit a 4-page research-based paper in current Turabian format. The paper should be at least 1000 words in length and include references to the evaluation resources provided, as well as Scripture. (CLO: A, B, C)

The student will participate in two research projects. For each, the student will respond with a 3-page paper in current Turabian format that focuses on the research prompt for each assignment. Each paper must exhibit an adequate level of exploration of the topic in the local community in addition to interacting with the course textbooks and Scripture. (CLO: A, B, C)

The Final Quiz will cover the Learn material for the entire course, especially the Key Terms. The quiz will require the student to respond to two questions about having read all the course resources and watched all the course videos. The quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 26 multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer/essay questions, and have a 2-hour time limit. (CLO: A, B, C)