Extreme numbers of people continue to be forced to move from their home regions; the majority hosted by states neighboring conflict areas. In these contexts, refugees are often unable to access work rights, reliant on camps and welfare programs. Globally, discourses remain centered on refugees as a social and economic drain or a security threat. This course will bring together faculty from The New School and humanitarian partners at the International Rescue Committee to improve areas of thinking related to humanitarianism, design, technology and resettlement. Students will critically examine humanitarianism from both a theoretical and hands-on perspective, leading up to a field placement in Amman during the Spring Break. In Amman, students will conduct in-depth research related to their skill-sets, supporting innovations in interventions to aid refugees and displaced people. Students will also have the opportunity to apply for a long-term summer internship with the IRC’s Amman office, which will provide key training for future work in NGO, policy or academic disciplines. Interested students should send an expression of interest to Julia Morris (julia.morris@newschool.edu) by 30 November 2018 that includes (1) a transcript with courses and grades and (2) a one-page statement on why they wish to participate in the course including how it would benefit them professionally and how they might envisage contributing. Skype interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter. Flights and accommodation will be covered for the fieldwork component in Amman. Students will need to finance their own meals on most occasions. "