HACT40220 Introduction to HA

Academic Year 2023/2024

The Intensive Programme (IP) is the first component of the Master of Science in Humanitarian Action. The overall objective of this module is to provide students with an overview of the humanitarian enterprise and to introduce everyone to the basics of humanitarian action.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

The specific objectives of the IP are:
1. To present students with an overview of UCD & the MSc Humanitarian Action Programme (D062)
2. To introduce students to the basic concepts of humanitarian action and its key principles.
3. To introduce students to the main stakeholders within the international humanitarian system.
4. To give students an understanding of the Irish humanitarian sector
5. To familiarize students with some of the key challenges and dilemmas in the field of humanitarian action.
6. To introduce students to some tools to work within a multicultural setting.
7. To help students critically analyze the contemporary humanitarian sector

Indicative Module Content:

The intensive programme seeks to build an understanding of the following points:
1. Current challenges in the humanitarian sector.
2. New way of working- the nexus between humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding.
3. Grassroots perspectives: moral, instrumental, and emancipatory rationales.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

0
Total

0
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module adopts a competency-based learning approach. It has been designed using best practices of Universal Design in Teaching and Learning to accommodate the needs of students coming from diverse backgrounds. The following are some of the salient aspects of module delivery:
1. The virtual learning platform for this module is UCD Brightspace.
2. All learning materials such as readings, video recordings, etc. will be uploaded on Brightspace.
3. Students are requested to familiarize themselves with Netiquette i.e. online etiquette and identity, especially in academic settings.
4. A typical day during this module might be structured as follows (see below). However, please refer to the latest schedule for the module so that you don't miss any content.

Typical Structure of a Day:

Mornings (9 am- 1 pm)
Students will receive a video recording of a lecture introducing them to key concepts & issues. They will also receive one or two essential readings. Students will be expected to be familiar with these study materials when they come to class in the afternoons. Students are not expected to be on campus/ in class during this time. So, they can work from home, commute or work on campus- depending on what is most convenient.

Afternoons (2 pm- 5 pm)
The afternoon sessions are designed to go in-depth into some of these key issues and challenges. These sessions are intended to be participatory and for debate/discussion among students. The idea is for students to share their own experiences and views on the topics being discussed. Hence, it is important that students take enough time during the mornings to prepare for the afternoon sessions.

5. The IP and the entire Master's Programme have been designed keeping in mind the diversity of the student cohort. It is natural in the first few days to have questions or to feel unsure about some things. The staff at UCD CHA have an open-door policy and students are very welcome to discuss their queries with the relevant staff members. In most cases, the first point of contact would be the Programme Director and Coordinator. Students can also email, noha.dublin@ucd.ie at any time and should
normally expect a reply within two working days.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: The assignment for this module is a 2500-word essay on a relevant theme in humanitarian action. The details of the assignment will be discussed during the first couple of days of the module. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% Yes

100

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The students will be provided with individual feedback via Brightspace. The assessment criteria and rubric will be discussed during the first couple of days of the module.

Name Role
Dr Sulagna Maitra Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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