J-Term Spring 2014: This course is designed to teach students the fundamental doctrines of refugee and asylum law—i.e. the way nation-states receive and care for innocent victims of larger man-made or natural disasters that cause millions of people to seek refuge in other states. The course will introduce students to basic concepts in Humanitarian law, Public International Law, and the Law of Human Rights. Students will also be exposed to contemporary issues of governance through studying the work of international institutions such as the U.N.H.C.R. and non-governmental humanitarian/relief organizations that have made a transition from crisis management to longer-term community development and social empowerment. While not absolutely required, it is helpful for students to have taken at least an introductory course in Public International Law, International Human Rights Law or Immigration Law, or exposure to upper-level courses in International Politics at the undergraduate level.