This course will offer a practical and in-depth analysis of the complex issues and skills needed to engage in humanitarian work in field settings. Through presentations offered by the faculty of the Humanitarian Studies Initiative and guest speakers who are experts in their topic areas, students will gain familiarity with the primary frameworks in the humanitarian field (human rights, livelihoods, Sphere standards, international humanitarian law) and will focus on practical issues that arise in the field, such as rapid assessments, application of minimum standards for humanitarian response, and operational approaches to relations with the military in humanitarian settings. Each student will be part of a team representing an international humanitarian non-governmental organization. Topics covered: Humanitarian response community and history; International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law; Sphere standards and sectoral applications (shelter, water and sanitation, food security, health); Civil-military relations, media skills, logistics, and budgeting; Monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and livelihoods; Personal security, mental health, stress, and teamwork; and Humanitarian technology. These topics will provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform successfully during a three-day intensive field simulation of a humanitarian crisis.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These topics will provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform successfully during a three-day intensive field simulation of a humanitarian crisis that will take place April 27-29, 2018). There is a $300 fee to cover camping gear hire, food, and other equipment costs. The course starts January 24, 2018 and ends May 9, 2018. This course is cross-listed with The Fletcher School (D213) and enrollment is limited to 10 Friedman students and 17 Fletcher students. Priority enrollment for Friedman is given to: 1) FPAN students pursuing the Humanitarian Assistance Specialization, 2) MAHA students, 3) Graduating and Second-Year students, 4) First-Year students. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor consent.

Course takes place in Harvard Yard in Emerson 305 (FAS).