Course coordinator
Dr Beth Rowan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Politic Sc & Internat Studies
The course examines the genealogy of humanitarianism, exploring the evolution and global diffusion of humanitarian concepts and practices, and how this has created an international humanitarian architecture. We explore the roles played by different actors in humanitarian action, including not only international organization and NGOs, but also states, Faith Based organizations, and the private sector. We ask why do they act? How do they act? Who do they help? And how does the evolution of these actors and structures intersect with power in world politics? In the second section of the course we look in detail at the dilemmas and paradoxes of humanitarian action presented by different forms of crises. This includes looking at issues such as the politics of international law, the politics of disaster, the politics of complex emergencies, the politics of displacement, and the politics of transnational crises. In exploring these issues, we will focus on particular on examples of crises in the Asia Pacific region.
Humanitarianism and Power in World Politics is structured around two themes that provide a framework for looking at the relationship between humanitarianism and power. The first theme is the ‘genealogy of humanitarianism’. This is a way of looking at the evolution of humanitarianism as a both a normative realm, and a realm of practice that is both embedded in but also constitutive of the broader international system. Using the idea of genealogy rather than historyﾠallows us to traceﾠprocesses of continuity, but also of rupture in the evolution of humanitarianism,ﾠas well as how humanitarianism intersects with broader structures of power. The second theme looks at theﾠintersection between humanitarianism and politics at particular sites. In so doing, it treats humanitarianism as a site of politics, as well as exploring how humanitarianﾠaction and institutions are enabled or constrained by broader political forces.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is recommended that students undertake either POLS1201 (Introduction to International Relations) or POLS1501 (Introduction to Peace & Conflict Analysis) prior to undertaking this course.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
POLS2222
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Beth Rowan
Tutor
Ms Miku Lagarde
Miss Karoline Thomsen
Ms Johanna Cruz Herrera
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course comprises 1 Introductory Lecture (Week 1) and 9 Seminars starting in Week 2, 9 x 1 hour Recorded Lecture starting in Week 2, and 1 Case-Study Workshop.
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to:
1ﾠUnderstand the evolution and diffusion of humanitarian concepts, norms, principles and practices, as well as current debates and practices.
2ﾠUnderstand the dilemmas and paradoxes of humanitarian actions presented by different forms of crises, such as natural disasters,ﾠarmed conflict,ﾠforced displacement and global health emergencies, andﾠexplore how these intersect with or reflect theﾠdynamics and structures of power in world politics.ﾠ
3ﾠExamine the global architecture of humanitarianism, the role of government and non-government actors, andﾠexplore how these intersect with or reflect the dynamicsﾠ and structures of power in world politics.
4 Explore the intersection of humanitarianism and politics at particular sites, including those of law, culture and gender, as well as to understand how humanitarian action and institutions are enabled or constrained by broader political forces.
5 Identify current global challenges such as mass migration and climate change, and examine how humanitarian, principlesﾠ practices and structuresﾠmay evolve to address these.
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Acquire and apply a knowledge of the concepts of humanitarian action and of the architecture of the global humanitarian system.
LO2.
Identify and compare the main types of humanitarian crises and key trends in contemporary humanitarian crises, and humanitarian policies and responses.
LO3.
Identify how new and emerging issues in world politics will impact on conceptions and practices of humanitarianism.
LO4.
Critically evaluate the relationship between humanitarianism and power is demonstrated humanitarian crises and responses through analysis of historical and current case studies.
LO5.
Demonstrate a knowledge of the ethical challenges presented by humanitarian crises and humanitarian responses. This includes an appreciation of the significance of cultural and social diversity in the context of humanitarianism.
LO6.
Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms, undertake independent research and develop new analytical methods and skills through assessment item and participation in interactive exercises.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Abstract and annotated bibliography (1000 words) | 20% 1000 words |
4/04/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Case Study (3000 Words) | 40% 3000 Words |
23/05/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Seminar Participation
|
10% |
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Ongoing throughout semester |
| Examination | Final Written Exam | 30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Abstract and annotated bibliography (1000 words)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20% 1000 words
- Due date
4/04/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin
Task description
The objective of this assignment is to identify the case study you will select for your case study assignment, and to commence your research by building a bibliography of sources. (Please see below for further instructions on the case study assignment.) The assessment has two components:
1) Abstract : 200 words: Select the case that you wish to investigate for your case study. This should be a particular humanitarian crisis or emergency. It can be a contemporary or a historical humanitarian crisis. In this 200 word abstract, you should briefly describe the crisis or emergency and why you find it a compelling case to research.
2) Annotated bibliography: 800 word: Select four sources that you will use in writing your case study. Analyse each source and outline why you believe this source is appropriate for your case study, and how it will contribute to your case study. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the source. Consider how the different sources will work together or complement each other in producing your case study. Consider, for instance, balancing empirical sources with sources that help you reflect on broader conceptual issues that the case study brings to light. In choosing your sources, think carefully about the quality of the source. Is it a reputable source? Does it express a particular perspective? If so, do you need to balance this perspective with contrasting perspectives in your analysis of the case?
You have 800 word for this component of the assignment, so this is approximately 200 words per source
Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.
In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.
If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.
Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.
Case Study (3000 Words)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40% 3000 Words
- Due date
23/05/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin
Task description
This assessment item requires you to analyse a particular humanitarian crisis applying knowledge, insights or observations from this course. You should first choose a humanitarian crisis or emergency. You should briefly describe the emergency and the responses to it. You should then analyse the crisis drawing on knowledge or insights developed through this course.
Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.
In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.
If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.
Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.
Seminar Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Ongoing throughout semester
Task description
Active engagement in teaching activities and with learning materials is an important component of POLS3222.
Seminar participation is worth 10%, with 1 mark for each seminar from Week 2 onwards. Seminars provide you with an opportunity to engage directly with the course coordinator and guest presenters as well, and equally importantly, with each other. They will provide an opportunity to reflect and discuss the challenging issues this course addresses. Full seminar attendance enhances a student's chances of obtaining a good score for this assessment item but is insufficient in itself. The mark will be based on the student actively contributing to the seminars and seminar activities. That doesn't necessarily mean having to speak all the time, but just making some contribution to the discussion or activity.
Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Final Written Exam
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
The two-hour written exam will assess key themes, issues, and debates from POLS3222. You may bring one double-sided A4 sheet of notes. The exam will evaluate your ability to critically engage with course material, apply theoretical concepts, and construct well-reasoned arguments.
Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: None of the above criteria will have been met. This student will not have addressed the question, shown no or very little evidence of reading and minimal comprehension of the issues at hand. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: None of the above criteria will have been met. This student will not have addressed the question, shown no or very little evidence of reading and minimal comprehension of the issues at hand. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student will have demonstrated a minimal grasp of the chosen topic and will have made an effort to establish a single major argument for the essay. The student will have employed some research which correlated with the argument and will have made a visible effort to achieve adequate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Evidence of attempting to achieve a recognisable narrative flow should appear throughout the assignment. This student will have addressed the question, showing evidence of required research and a basic grasp of the issues at hand. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student will have demonstrated an adequate grasp of the chosen topic and will have made a reasonable effort to provide evidence to support a visible argument. The student will have employed an adequate research base to support the argument and will have achieved a reasonable, if not completely coherent standard of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A recognisable narrative flow should be sustained throughout the essay. This student will have answered the question, showing evidence of adequate research and a degree of understanding of the issues at hand. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student will have demonstrated a sound grasp of the chosen topic and will have addressed the argument by providing suitable evidence to support an argument. The student will have employed a comprehensive research base that directly relates to the topic though it may not completely support the argument and will have achieved decent levels of competence in grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. This student will have answered the question in a direct, well supported fashion, showing evidence of some wide reading and a reasonable understanding of the issues at hand. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student will have demonstrated a very good grasp of the chosen topic and will have addressed the argument by providing a considerable amount of evidence to support a clearly stated argument. The student will have employed a reasonably extensive and well-organised research base to structure evidence in support of the argument and will have achieved a high level of competence in grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. This student will have answered the question in a direct, reasonably sophisticated fashion, employing wide research and showing a sound understanding of the issues at hand. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student will have demonstrated a highly sophisticated grasp of the topic and will have succeeded in addressing the question by providing a high level of evidence to support a clearly stated argument. The student will have employed an extensive and well organised research base to structure evidence in support of the argument and will have achieved impeccable levels of grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. This student will have answered the question in a direct and elegant fashion, employing significant research and showing a deep understanding of the issues at hand. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be awarded on the following basis:
1. Fail 1 - 19%
2. Fail 20 - 44%
3. Fail 45 - 49%
4. Pass 50 - 64 %
5. Credit 65 - 74 %
6. Distinction 75 - 84 %
7. High Distinction 85 - 100 %
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Word Length Penalty
Unless otherwise indicated, in the case of written submissions with a specified word count, you are given a +10% leeway on the upper word limit. If your written submission is over this leeway limit, it will attract a 10 percentage point penalty. For example, if your essay is 1,500 words, you may write up to 1,650 before attracting a word count penalty. If your essay exceeds the upper word limit, it will attract a 10% word count penalty. Therefore, if your essay is worth 40 marks, you will lose 4 marks from your allotted grade. Unless specified, penalties only apply to exceeding the word length, not for failure to write a sufficient amount.
Students should note:
• The Author-date in-text referencing system will count toward the word length;
• References in the Footnote referencing system will not count toward the word length. If you are using footnotes, any content included in footnotes beyond the specific text reference will count towards the word length.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Essay Guide
The School of Political Science and International Studies Essay Guide can be downloaded from the School’s Student Support webpage.
The Guide sets out guidelines you should follow in preparing written assignments.
Essay Writing Assistance
The School of Political Science and International Studies schedules regular “drop-in” sessions designed to provide one-on-one advice and assistance in essay planning and writing.
There is no need to make an appointment and you are encouraged to bring your essay with you.
The day and time of these sessions will be finalized at the beginning of each semester and published on the Student Support webpage.
Student Services
Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills and thus your academic performance in this course.
Library Resources
UQ Library offers training in software, assignment writing, research skills, and publishing and research management.
The University’s library holdings for Political Science and International Studies are primarily located in the Central Library.
There is a help desk in the Library. Students are also welcome to contact the BEL/HASS Librarians for assistance.
Email: librarians@library.uq.edu.au
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction: Questions, Concepts and Issues This week's seminar does two things. Firstly, it outlines the course and course content. Secondly, it introduces some of the key concepts, themes and issues that the course will address. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Online lecture: Genealogy of Humanitarianism: Origins The origins of international humanitarianism as a global practice. |
Seminar |
Seminar 1: Genealogy of Humanitarianism: Origins This week's seminar explores the evolution and diffusion of humanitarianism as a concept and practice. It explores the relationship between humanitarian movements and the broader political structures, norms and institutions of the contemporary world politics in which they evolved. It provides an overview of the emergence of a set of transnational actors who played a key role in establishing what we now call the international humanitarian system. |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: Institutionalisation of Humanitarianism This lecture outlines some of the principal frameworks of the international humanitarian system and how they developed. |
Seminar |
Seminar 2: Institutionalisation of Humanitarianism This week's seminar turn to how the ideas and practices of humanitarianism have been integrated into the international system through their institutionalisation. We ask the question, is the contemporary international humanitarian system fit for purpose? |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: Humanitarianism and Displacement Humanitarianism and forced displacement |
Seminar |
Seminar 3: Humanitarianism and Displacement In this week's seminar, we explore the causes of forced displacement and the implications for those who are forced to flee their homes. Responses to forced displacement in the form of institutions such as the International Refugee Convention and the UNHCR, form a key pillar of the international humanitarian system. This week we will discuss the origins of these institutions and how they function how, as well as how effective they are. We also explore how the humanitarian system is being increasingly stretched and stressed in an international system that seems to be returning to enforcing hard borders. |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Study Break No class |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: International Humanitarian Law International humanitarian law |
Seminar |
Seminar 4: International Humanitarian Law This week we look at the evolution of one of the central pillars of the international humanitarian system: international humanitarian law. |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: Humanitarianism and Armed Conflict The humanitarian challenges presented by armed conflict |
Seminar |
Seminar 5: Humanitarianism and Armed Conflict In this topic we focus our attention on humanitarian emergencies that are generated by large scale violent conflict. Conflicts generate particular empirical and ethical challenges to humanitarian norms and practices. They bring the relationship of humanitarianism and power to the front and centre of our analysis of how humanitarian action is shaped by the conditions under which takes places. |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Online lecture: Humanitarianism and Disaster Humanitarianism and disaster |
Seminar |
Seminar 6: Humanitarianism and Disaster In this seminar we investigate the politics of disaster. We discuss what constitutes a disaster and explore concepts of vulnerability and resilience. Why are some communities more vulnerable or resilient than others? And how can resilience be enhanced? These issues are inherently linked to structures of power and inequality. We also consider the role of different actors in disasters and the challenges they face. |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Case-study Workshop (In-person) In this workshop you will have the opportunity to develop the structure and argument of your case-study. |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: Humanitarianism and Gender Humanitarianism and gender |
Seminar |
Seminar 7: Humanitarianism and Gender This week, we explore how the politics of gender impact upon humanitarianism. This includes exploring the particular vulnerabilities and threats to the security of women and girls in humanitarian emergencies. But it also entails a deeper exploration of how conceptions of gender and the political, social and cultural structures associated with them inform both perceptions of vulnerability and of agency. |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: Humanitarianism and Intervention Humanitarianism and armed intervention |
Seminar |
Seminar 8: Humanitarianism and Intervention This topic examines the shifting debates about the intervention norm and the political and normative constraints on armed humanitarian intervention. It traces the historical debate about the legitimacy and desirability of armed humanitarian intervention in the case of gross violations of human rights. A key issue in this debate is the tensions between the imperatives of humanitarianism, the international communityﾒs obligation to protect vulnerable communities and their rights, and the rights of sovereign states. |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Online Lecture: Humanitarianism and Culture The culture of humanitarianism: Is there one humanitarianism or many? |
Seminar |
Seminar 9: Humanitarianism and Culture This week we reflect on the relationship between culture and humanitarianism. We also reflect on the debate about the importance of local knowledge. We critically interrogate the arguments that humanitarianism is a Western hegemonic discourse. This is are a powerful and important argument but we ask, is there a danger that in casting humanitarianism as simply a Western discourse we overlook other rich and complex practices of humanitarianism across different societies? How do we go about ensuring that local knowledge is respected and recognised in humanitarian action? What challenges does this present? |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.