Critical Social Inquiry 0125 - Roots and Routes

In this course, we will examine the particularities of refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), stateless people and the changing nature of forced migration since the WWII. This course will investigate the nature, causes, and consequences of contemporary forced migration waves with specific attention to the cases from the Middle East. The Middle East remains to be a major source of refugees while hosting a vast majority of them. According to the UNHCR, Syria together with Afghanistan and South Sudan is the largest source of refugees. Whereas Turkey, Pakistan, and Lebanon remain to be the leading three refugee hosting countries. By exploring historical precedents to contemporary waves, students will learn about different policies of the US and European countries regarding asylum procedures, criminalization mechanisms of forced migration, etc. There will also be a review of the roles played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the international community as a whole in addressing problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people concerning relief assistance and humanitarian services. The course material will also include contemporary literature and films about refugees. Students will be expected to follow and discuss current affairs. Evaluations will be based on class participation, two written critical responses to selected readings/newspaper articles, and an analytical paper.

Power, Community and Social Justice Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.