Explore UCD

UCD Home >

HACT10010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to Humanitarian Action (HACT10010)

Subject:
Humanitarian Action
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Pat Gibbons
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The module aims to provide students with a rich understanding of the rationale for contemporary global humanitarian interventions. Climate Change, global migration, and protracted conflicts have all contributed to unprecedented levels of global humanitarian need. The impact of these crises/disasters, together with our recent experiences of the COVID 19 pandemic, demonstrate the growing levels of global fragility and vulnerability. On successful completion of the module, students should be able to comprehend and critically assess the humanitarian crises that are appearing on national media with greater frequency. To this end, the module describes the origins, values, and guiding principles governing humanitarian interventions. It introduces the laws and norms regulating humanitarian intervention. Special attention is given to contemporary issues and challenges facing disparate humanitarian stakeholders in their attempt to save lives, alleviate suffering, and support disaster-affected populations to live with dignity. Students are introduced to Irish agencies and organisations that are active in global humanitarian interventions.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
• List and describe the four humanitarian principles;
• Differentiate humanitarian action from other types of international aid and critically analyse the evolution in humanitarian thinking;
• Describe the Irish Humanitarian community and suggest reasons for similarities and difference between organisations in this community;
• Identify the main legal, political, social, and cultural characteristics and challenges of contemporary humanitarian interventions;
• Analyse the key characteristics of humanitarian stakeholders that make them uniquely humanitarian.

Indicative Module Content:

This introductory module includes the following content:
• Defining humanitarian action - what it is and what it is not.
• The history and evolution of humanitarian action.
• The ‘International Humanitarian System’ – how it is governed and managed.
• International and national legal frameworks shaping humanitarian interventions.
• Geopolitical issues and challenges for contemporary humanitarian action.
• Cultural and social issues to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of humanitarian action.
• Contemporary humanitarian interventions and impacts – will vary each year e.g. Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.
• The Irish Humanitarian System – introduction to some of the main NGOs.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Tutorial

6
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

104

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through the UCD VLE system and practical tutorials that will consist of:
• Lectures
• Classroom practical discussions with humanitarian professionals
• Online presentations with humanitarian professionals in the field.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

This module does not require prior learning. This module aims to attract students from all disciplines across UCD. It is envisaged that a broad disciplinary mix with greatly enhance shared learning and active participation of the students.

Learning Recommendations:

There are no exclusions or requirements for this module


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of module exam. It is in-person and timed. It will take place in the exam centre. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40

 Yes
Reflective Assignment: Each student will reflect on his/her views of humanitarian action and how it impacts him or her. The student can choose how he or she presents this reflection. Week 15 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: This is a class quiz to assess whether students are familiar with the defining characteristics of humanitarian action together with the extent and nature of humanitarian issues and challenges Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Sulagna Maitra Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ronan McDermott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.