Professor: Yalda Asmatey

credits 4.00

• CRN 22679: Tuesday & Thursday, 12:00-1:20pm @ CHA 301
• CRN 25811: Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-9:50am @ CON 330

This course provides a critical exploration of the complex factors driving displacement globally. By examining case studies, we will unpack the intricate interplay between armed conflict, systemic inequalities, and environmental challenges that compel individuals to leave their homes.  By studying these  case studies and a variety of sources, students will gain deep insights into the human experiences behind and beyond the statistics.
We'll delve into the experiences of various groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals, highlighting their unique health outcomes and the traumas they endure. Through academic literature and documentaries, we'll contextualize these personal stories within broader socio-political discourses, addressing issues such as:
•    Indigenous Displacement: Understanding the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on indigenous communities.
•    Gender Violence: Analyzing how gender dynamics influence experiences of violence and displacement.
•    Racism: Exploring how systemic racism exacerbates vulnerabilities and affects access to resources.
•    Public Health: Investigating how displacement affects health outcomes and access to care.
•    Environmental Disasters: Considering the role of climate change and environmental degradation in forcing migration.
 

Ultimately, this course aims to foster a nuanced understanding of displacement and to encourage critical thinking about potential solutions and support systems for affected populations.

Graduation Requirement: This class will fulfill a Social Science Colloquium and the Global Perspectives cultural literacy requirement. If a student has already completed a Social Science Colloquium, the course will fulfill both of the following requirements: an Elective Colloquium and the Global Perspectives cultural literacy requirement.