Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
International Cooperation and NGOs
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,
Teaching staff
Feel free to reach out to the profesor via email and phone/whatsapp:
email: amangin@uic.es
phone/whatsapp: +33 769 966 935
In person meetings can be organized Fridays between 15-17h.
Introduction
The course aims to give students the knowledge and tools they need to understand the context and work of non-governmental development aid organizations. What are Non-Governmental Organizations? What are their roles in international cooperation? How do they operate and how are they funded? What are key sectors and areas of influence? What types of aid do they receive and what projects do they develop? Why are some NGOs effective and others not? What are the keys to their survival and impact?
Objectives
1/ Provide students a deep understanding of what are the roles, impact, fields of work, challenges and potential of NGOs, and how they operate
2/ Apply knowledge to real-world case studies, specific tools and strategies used by NGOs to address global challenges
3/ Facilitate knowledge and generate reflection for a career with or in relation to NGOs
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- C100 - Diagnose root causes of inequality and apply theoretical and empirical development frameworks.
- C101 - Apply international cooperation models and NGO/development- entity governance frameworks.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the key sectors and areas of influence of NGOs working in international cooperation
2. Understand current challenges, opportunities and trends for NGOs in International Cooperation
3. Have the necessary knowledge and a solid overview of the work of NGO professionals
Syllabus
Introduction
- introduction to the course, preview of the subjects that will be covered
- Open conversation and activity to get to know the group: background, level of knowledge on international cooperation and interests of the students, expectations
Understanding NGOs
Topic 1: NGOs in the Global Context
- Defining NGOs: History, types, and classifications
- The role of NGOs in global governance and international development
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of NGOs
Topic 2: How does an NGO operate
- Governance and organizational structures
- Emergencies, programmatic work, advocacy and civil society engagement
- Operations and people
- Funding
NGOs in Action: Key Sectors and Areas of Influence
Topic 3: Human Rights and Advocacy
- NGOs' roles in human rights protection, advocacy and policy influence
- Campaigns and global movements driven by NGOs
- Case study INGO
Topic 4: Women rights and Gender justice
- NGO involvement in women rights advocacy and gender justice
- Campaigns and programmes driven by NGOs
- Guest speaker: gender expert (tbc)
Topic 5: Environment and Climate Action
- NGO involvement in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Partnerships between international institutions and NGOs on climate policy
- Case study INGO
Topic 6: Humanitarian response
- NGOs' roles in humanitarian response: Emergency response and relief distribution, Protection and safety, Logistics, Recovery and resilience building
- Roles, functions and operational aspects
- Humanitarian challenges and dilemmas
- Guest speaker: humanitarian expert
Future of International Cooperation and NGOs
Topic 7: What future for NGOs
- Political, Operational and Funding Challenges
- Trends and Innovations in International Cooperation
- Decolonising Aid
- Innovative finance and NGOs
Final reflections
Take action
- Personal perspectives in the NGO sector
- Wrap up and course evaluation
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course will use a participative and hands-on approach combining lectures, case studies, group discussions, specific exercises as well as insights from professional in the field. Guest speakers will include professionals from leading NGOs like Médecins sans Frontières, Oxfam… Furthermore, the course also includes a group assignment in which the students will work on their own NGO project proposal and pitch.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Students will be assessed both group-based and individually based.
The grade will be calculated considering the following components:
40%: Individual participation throughout the class
Students are expected to be proactive in the classroom, raising and answering questions, expressing opinions, giving examples and engaging in debates.
60%: Specific group assignment and oral presentation
Students will be divided into groups by the coordinator. The group work will consist of developing a project idea and proposal to address a specific problematic (to be chose from one of the focus topics of the SDGs). Students will have at least one month to work on the project. Each group will be asled to "pitch" their project to the class.
Detailed instructions and schedule for the group assignment will be provided shortly.
Bibliography and resources
Support resources (readings, articles, videos…) will be recommended ad-hoc for each session.