Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines population movements in Eurasia, from antiquity to the present. Considers a variety of questions related to the how and why people migrate. Answering these questions pertaining to mass migration in Eurasia fosters greater understanding of the overall human experience. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The 2015 Migration Crisis, where over one million individuals desperately tried to reach Europe in perilous conditions across the Mediterranean Sea, brought the significance of mass migrations into focus for the global community. Furthermore, the mass movement of peoples into Europe has triggered a wave of populism that has seen far right groups gain increasing influence in the continent – with Italy’s Lega being one of several parties to use anti-immigrant rhetoric to gain influence. Despite the dramatic changes in Europe, the mass migration of peoples is not a new phenomenon. In fact, the large-scale migration of individuals has been a quintessential part of the human experience in the Mediterranean throughout recorded history. We must ask ourselves, however, in what ways have the experience of migrants changed?

In this course, we’ll examine questions such as: how have migrants perceived themselves, and their destinations? What factors drive individuals to migrate from their homelands? What are the responses from the communities that receive these migrants? In what ways has the international community involved itself in these issues? How has mass migration been both constructive and destructive? And, how have travelers conceived of their experiences? By answering these questions pertaining to mass migration in the Mediterranean, students will gain a greater understanding of the overall human experience.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in the following activities:

• Read and analyse Humanities texts to academic standards.
• Place texts in their historical and cultural context.
• Gain an understanding of the phenomenon of migration and its relationship to humanity.
• Understand migration both in its historical as well as contemporary contexts.

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