Humanitarian Communication

(5 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This module will critically explore changing trends in humanitarian communication by both the international news media and international development actors, such as Non Governmental Organizations. This will include a critical review of media representations of development in the Global South and the role and responsibility of journalists reporting about humanitarian crises and poverty. We will also explore conventional strategies of humanitarian communication, such as "pornography of poverty as well as more contemporary issues such as the role of celebrities, social media, and the rise of "post humanitarian" communication. With case studies ranging from Live Aid to Kony 2012, you will be introduced to key concepts and theoretical approaches cutting across a range of disciplines. This module also contains an integral practical skills component. Speakers from leading NGO's and experienced practitioners will share their insights about everyday complexities of humanitarian communication and a number of workshops will focus on relevant hands-on skills such as blogging and the basics of development photography.