Human Rights and Humanitarianism

Steering Committee: James Dawes (English), Martin Gunderson (Philosophy), Joëlle Vitiello (French and Francophone Studies), Erik Larson (Sociology), Nadya Nedelsky (International Studies), Dianna Shandy (Anthropology), Wendy Weber (Director; Political Science)

This concentration provides students an opportunity to engage in the interdisciplinary study of human rights and humanitarianism. The objectives of the concentration are to cultivate in students: (a) a familiarity with major developments in the history of human rights and humanitarianism; (b) an understanding of the institutional frameworks governing human rights and humanitarianism, including international law, international organizations, civil society movements, etc.; (c) an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical debates about the meanings of human rights and humanitarianism; (d) a capacity to understand and evaluate practical debates over the methods, motivations, and consequences of human rights and humanitarian action, including but not limited to questions of policy-making, fieldwork, and media and artistic representation; (e) a familiarity with a range of current and past global (including local, national, and international) human rights problems.

Given that students and faculty approach the study of human rights and humanitarianism from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, the program permits students to complete this concentration in conjunction with a wide array of majors. The program promotes breadth by requiring that students complete courses in more than one department.

Programs

Human Rights and Humanitarianism Interdepartmental Concentration