By Isis Nusair “Routes of forced mobility and movement?” Module length: Two Weeks
Introduction/Overview:
This module is part of the course, Themes and Approaches in International Studies. It focuses on the forced migration of Syrian refugees into neighboring countries and Europe since the start of the war in Syria in 2011. It traces the routes for this forced migration, the reasons that prompted refugees to leave their country, and the challenges they face during and in the aftermath of this displacement process. For preliminary background on this topic, see our Zotero group.
Learning Goals and Objectives:
The specific learning objectives for this unit are as follows:
- Understand the different migration theories and how they could be used to trace and analyze the forced migration of Syrian refugees;
- Understand the shortcomings of these theories and what needs to change in our understanding of this topic;
- Trace the different routes of migration, the reasons that prompted people to leave, and the challenges they face along the way;
- Compare and contrast the different economic, political and social, contexts for each of these routes of forced migration;
- Develop critical research skills and ability to draw on both media and academic sources;
- Have students work collaboratively with other students and hone their presentation skills.
Week 1
Session 1.1: Discussion of Migration Theories
Discussion of chapter three in International Migration and Social Theory. What are the theories used to understand migration? How could these theories be used to understand the forced migration of Syrian refugees? What needs to change in these theories to allow for a better understanding of forced migration?
Session 1.2: Student presentations:
Students will get together in groups of 2 or 3 to research the routes of forced migration of Syrian refugees. They will put together a presentation (visual and oral) that examines the routes for their forced migration, the reasons for why they left Syria, and the challenges they face along the way.
Group 1: Analyze the root causes (social, economic and political) of the current displacement of Syrian refugees? What theories mentioned in chapter three in International Migration and Social Theory will help you explain the context and consequences for this forced migration?
Group 2: Trace the routes of migration of Syrian refugees to Lebanon and Jordan? What are the challenges they face in being refugees in these countries? What theories mentioned in chapter three in International Migration and Social Theory will help you explain the context and consequences for this forced migration?
Week 2
Session 1.3:
Group 3: Trace the routes of migration of Syrian refugees to Turkey? What are the challenges they face in being refugees in Turkey? What theories mentioned in chapter three in International Migration and Social Theory will help you explain the context and consequences for this forced migration?
Group 4: Trace the routes of migration of Syrian refugees to Europe? What are the challenges they face in trying to reach and settle in Europe? What theories mentioned in chapter three of International Migration and Social Theory will help you explain the context and consequences for this forced migration?
Session 1.4:
Discussion of general findings from the four presentations. What were the similarities and differences in the experiences of forced migration of Syrian refugees in each of these contexts? What theories of forced migration were helpful in your understanding of this topic? What were the shortcomings of these theories? What changed in your understanding of this topic and why?
Assessments/Evaluations:
The evaluation of student presentations will be based on the clarity of the presentations, ability to reflect deeply and critically on the reading material, and ability to integrate both academic and media sources into the analysis. One could use the AAC&U Oral Communication Rubric to evaluate the students.