Issues in forced migration
- Course Code:
- 15PDSH015
- Unit value:
- 0.5
- Taught in:
- Term 2
An introduction to the study of refugees and displaced persons in the developing world, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Topics covered include:
- the causes and consequences of displacement,
- key concepts in refugee law,
- the socio-cultural, political and economic dimensions of refugee experiences,
- relief-development debates,
- and the search for durable solutions to refugees’ problems.
The course highlights the relationship between underdevelopment and forced migration, and employs anthropological approaches to understand the power relations between aid providers and displaced populations. The limitations of international political and humanitarian responses to refugee populations are assessed with reference to wider developmental and humanitarian agendas.
Objectives and learning outcomes of the course
By the end of the course, students should have:
- Familiarity with the terms and principles of international refugee law and with changing patterns of forced migration over the second half of the 20th century.
- A critical understanding of the workings of the international refugee regime and its principal actors, including UN agencies (especially UNHCR), NGOs and Governments.
- Awareness of the social and political dynamic negotiated by forced migrants and of the agency of such communities
- Insight into debates surrounding the interface between humanitarian aid and development aid in refugee and returnee affected areas.
- Understanding of the search for solutions to refugee situations, as well as of challenges to these.
- Familiarity with a relevant body of the main information resources and refugee related literature, and a firm grasp of the concepts and debates in the field.
Workload
Teaching takes place through a weekly 2 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial.
Method of assessment
Students must submit one assignment of no more than 5000 words, worth 100% of the course.
