Europe is presently experiencing a “refugee crisis”. In the daily news we hear and read about thousands of people who are risking – and only too often losing – their lives while fleeing their native countries because of war, hunger, political or other forms of persecution, in hope for a (better) life elsewhere. This “crisis” is more and more influencing national as well as European politics, often at least tinged with racism. We also have to take notice of racist actions like the setting of fire to shelters for refugees. In short: Racism and migration are issues we can’t avoid these days.
In the seminar we will deal with historic, as well as the present aspects of racism and migration: What are the roots of racism? How did it historically develop? How does racism interact with other dimensions of difference such as gender, class or disability? Is there an “old” racism and a “new” racism and, if so, what are the differences? And last but not least: What can be done – as democratic societies – but also as individuals, against the rise of racism in the wake of this so-called “refugee crisis”?
Participants are expected to do a small group presentation on topics agreed on in the seminar.
For academic assessment it is possible to either hand in a paper of 10-15 pages on a chosen subject; or to perform a presentation of 20-30 minutes on a subject from the seminar schedule. |
