DISPLACEMENT: EXPLORING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF FORCED MIGRATION

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

Recognising that forced migration represents one of the key societal challenges of our times, with an average of one person being displaced every two seconds, this Elective uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide a theoretical, practical and experiential understanding of the different causes and impacts of forced migration globally and a comprehensive and up to date analysis of historical and contemporary issues in the field. If you want to learn about these issues from researchers and practitioners in the field, those working in the creative arts to bring the individuals behind the statistics into focus, the agencies and individuals who support those who have been displaced and, most importantly, displaced people themselves, then you will find this Elective informative, enlightening and thought-provoking.

What will I learn?

the impact of conflict, gender, human rights and climate change on forced migration
the lived experiences of the pre-flight, flight and post-flight stages of forced migration from a number of different perspectives
the nature and impact of trauma, coping and resilience amongst children and adults who have been forcibly displaced, and how to support them

What will I do?

Attend a series of lectures with researchers looking at forced migration from the perspectives of peace studies, law, psychology, social work and social policy, theories of oppression, climate change, literature and film.
Engage with on-line materials to prepare for interviews with people who have been displaced, key support agencies and individuals who provide support in different ways such as specialist teachers

How will this be delivered?

11 lectures
2 ‘lecturer as practitioner’ facilitated experiential group learning sessions using case studies in preparation for web-based or face to face interviews of key actors
Directed reading
Film screenings: Human Flow and Performing the Border
2 creative process seminars to discuss films and theatre (both about and for refugees)
Web-based / Face-to-face interviews
Online ethics component
Online facilitated group preparation for interviewing

How will this be assessed?

Individual reflective piece of work arising from interviewing (1000 words) 50%
Group report base on a vignette, in which students will be required to connect theoretical ideas and empirical research with the lived experiences of the pre-flight, flight and post-flight stages of forced migration (2000 words) 50%