HNRS 287-01: Non-Governmental Organizations, Development and Human Rights
This course is a critical and inter-disciplinary examination of the role and consequences, both intended and unintended, of NGOs in the development industry. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are private agencies that operate in different capacities to primarily alleviate hunger, poverty, environmental degradation and discrimination. The course explores the history, organization and agenda building of NGOs since the 1950s. Central to our examination are the relationships between NGOS and states, particularly in the southern hemisphere. The large number and diversity of NGOs make it impossible in one semester to engage in an exhaustive examination. Nevertheless, the ideological, programmatic and conceptual differences among northern and southern-based NGOs, as well as secular and religious-based organizations, will receive our attention. So too will organizations that address human rights, gender inequality and environmental protection. Among the NGOs that we examine are Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The study of NGOs is especially important in the 21st century as growing numbers of people see NGO-inspired development offering a tremendous potential for grass-roots answers to hunger, poverty, conservation, corruption and undemocratic states. The course is, therefore, especially appropriate for students with interests in the fields of economic development, environmental studies, international studies, human rights advocacy and public administration.
Term: Spring 2009
Credits: 4
Fulfills: GE Requirement in Social Science (E)
Cross-listed: SA 342-01
Prerequisite: SA 100 or consent
Meeting times: 10:00-11:20 TR
Instructor: Susan Diduk