Humanitarian Action: Past, Present, Future (NUTR-ON229)

Spring 2026 · NUTR ON229 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

This is a course about global humanitarian action. It looks at the historical roots of today’s humanitarianism, including differences in humanitarian thought, the development of the UN and NGO systems, donor initiatives, and what is part of the formal and informal humanitarian architecture. We take a look at the laws, principles, and ethical codes of conduct underpinning the humanitarian enterprise, as well as dilemmas humanitarians face in applying these norms, principles and codes-- historically and presently. We examine various types of humanitarian responses from prevention to emergency responses, to “medium-term” and “long-term” prevention. We learn how to evaluate information coming from the sector, and conduct our own inquiries. This course centers and privileges the experience of crisis-affected communities, and is taught with a continuous critique of the politics and norms underlying the sector. Questions of viability and creative prediction will be interwoven throughout the course, and students are invited to become thought-partners in designing the future of humanitarianism.

Course codes: NUTR-ON229

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