As European Countries struggle to come to terms with the so-called refugee-crisis, there is no escaping the issues Racism and migration. Almost every time we open a newspaper or watch the news, there is at least one item dealing with either, most likely with both. We hear 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 or at least safer) life elsewhere. At the same time we read about the rise of right wing parties and an increase of racist motivated violence against people who are perceived as different, “other”, not belonging.
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?
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. |
