Παρουσίαση/Προβολή

Course Syllabus

Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will:

• Acquire the theoretical framework and learn how to apply the different theories in the analysis and understanding of migration
• Learn the EU policies in relation to irregular migration and asylum
• Understand the foundation upon which the current migration management approach draws from
• Learn to incorporate an anthropocentric dimension in their analysis regarding human mobility and migration
• Advocate for or against specific policies and approaches using the knowledge and skills gained in this course

Students will also have gained the following transferable skills:

• Communication skills:
  • Develop the ability to present a persuasive argument based on facts and data through in-class participation
  • Learn how to give oral presentations
• Research skills:
  • learn to identify relevant data and critically assess information following a clear methodology.
  • Learn to summarise and synthesise different information

Course Organisation

The first part of the course looks at theory and legal and policy framework of the EU. The theoretical part is crucial for the students to understand how to analyse and discuss migration and asylum, while the EU policy framework is crucial since it shapes largely what happens both in the countries of first arrival such as Greece but also the immediate neighbour, such as Turkey and the Balkans.

The course then turns to the refugee crisis of 2015, retracing the role of Turkey as the main transit country and looking at Greece and the Balkans; what framework existed prior to the arrival of the 850,000 asylum seekers that entered in 2015? And how did this change in the years of the crisis?. The third part looks at the externalisation practices of the EU and the rise of populism and the politicisation of migration in the region.

Class structure:

Lectures go beyond the readings and provide students with additional information, material and content. You need to have read one of the articles prior to class in order to be able to participate in the discussions as well as in-class assignments requested. Some classes will have a guest lecture- students will be notified in advance when that is the case.

Additional notes

In a lot of the issues raised in this course, students arrive having their own perspectives, biases and opinions. The classroom functions as a safe space for students to voice their views and potentially differences. You are not expected to agree with each other, nor with the professor who at times will put forth a different perspective so as to educate you on the different points of views.

Etiquette

Toilet breaks should be taken before or after class or during class breaks.

Food consumption is forbidden in class.

Electronic devises

Mobiles are prohibited in the classroom and you will not be able to use them to take notes. You are asked to ensure they remain in your bags throughout the session.

Course Requirements and Assessment

• Class engagement: 10%

This course requires class engagement that includes but is not limited to active listening, note-taking and question-asking. An effective participant is not someone who talks frequently but someone who offers thoughtful insights and facilitates the learning process in class. Engagement is evaluated based on bringing up questions in class during lectures, analysing the relevant issues, building on each other’s’ ideas, communicating and exchanging ideas with each other, synthesizing across readings and discussions, expanding the class perspective, in a respectful manner. Identifying themes across weeks, explicit connections to the readings and regular contribution are all part of the evaluation. Alot of the work will take place in class and in groups- active engagement will be assessed and count towards the final grade. Attendance is not engagement. Simply showing up to class will not count towards the grade.

• Exam: 65%

1 Mid term exam-15%

1 final exam-50%

Students will be asked to provide short answers to questions on material covered throughout the course

• Presentations (15%):

students (or 1 depending on size of class) will be responsible for starting the class with a presentation on the readings. Presentations should be no more than 20 minutes long and must include: (1) a brief summary of the readings; (2) an introduction to the key arguments and main ideas of the readings; (3) three critical questions about the readings that will help facilitate our discussion; (4) utilization of previously discussed concepts and theories that are applicable to the specific case study.

All the above must be met for marks to be awarded. Each segment accounts for 5 marks. Marking is based not only on meeting the minimum requirements but on quality of work.

Students must collaborate in the presentation. They have to ensure they cover at least two different readings (or 3 if more presenters) and draw connections. If you have additional readings (including literature) or media that you feel will expand our discussion you are encouraged to share with the class and include in your presentation.  The grade is shared- this means if one does not do well both won't do well.

• Self reflection paper (10%):

a 2- page self-assessment of the knowledge gained, the potential assumptions negated throughout the course, biases and conflicts. You are asked to explore what you have learnt and utilize the concepts and literature you have read to reflect critically on what were your original perceptions and knowledge prior to this course and how this has changed or be reinforced. This is submitted on the last day of class via the eclass.