HUM 2930 - GLOBAL ALTRUISM

credits: 6.0
The conditions of life matter. Humanitarianism seeks to improve human welfare and alleviate conditions of hardship as a moral imperative without political or religious motive or investment. Neutrality and altruism are key tenets of humanitarianism. Will explore profiles, narratives and stories of people, places and cultures that highlight global health and human rights concerns with direct connections to ideologies that promote social justice. Humanitarians aim to improve conditions of lives in crisis, lives facing adversity, hardship or poverty, bias, discrimination, health disparities and social determinants of health in order to promote equity and wellbeing for disenfranchised and disadvantaged people. The uncertainty with which we face the future wellbeing of people, animals and geographies globally drives the mission of altruistic people and organizations with goals of improving life and the conditions that support life and wellbeing, building equitable institutions-systems and alleviating suffering. Improving life situations to achieve equity requires understanding the vision and actions of social justice workers, medical leaders, and rights advocates. Objectives: A) Identify types of global advocacy as humanitarian initiatives aimed at helping people in crisis; B) Explain the moral beliefs of individuals who dedicated their lives to human rights, equality, and equity; C) Summarize the focus and mission of altruistic organizations; D) Analyze the strengths and struggles associated with a life spent dedicated to a humanitarian purpose; E) Explain the moral, global obligations of living a life of privilege; F) Develop narrative competency in self-reflection about their online, global, humanitarian volunteer work. Method of Instruction: Lecture and discussion, Individual research projects, and Applied Learning: online volunteer work with humanitarian organization of student’s choice. Method of Evaluation: Reading summaries, analyses and quizzes (40%), Individual research project, paper, or presentation (25%), Applied Learning Project (25%), and Attendance (10%). Meets *GLP Distribution Requirement.