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First-Year Seminar--European History (101-6-22)

Topic

Mediterranean Migrations

Instructors

Lauren K Stokes
847/467-3086
Harris Hall - Room 235
Lauren Stokes is a historian of modern Europe with a particular focus on migration and race in German history. She is currently at work on a book about “family” migrants and asylum seekers in West Germany. She also enjoys thinking about capitalism, gender and sexuality, and public history.

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Topic: Mediterranean Migrations

The Mediterranean Sea is currently the world's deadliest border. According to the International Organization for Migration's Missing Migrants Project, more than 23,000 people have drowned in the attempt to reach Europe since 2013.

The European Union currently spends billions to combat this migration: both to intercept and turn back boats on the high sea, and to pay African states to stop those boats before they ever leave. Humanitarian activists have rescued capsizing boats and brought migrants to shore—at which point they have been arrested as "smugglers" for aiding unauthorized migration. While far right parties have exploited tensions over migration, migrants have fought what they see as inhumane policies, with undocumented activists in France, Spain, Italy and beyond demanding the decolonization of European migration policy.

This course introduces students to multiple perspectives on migrations across the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on placing current events in historical context. Topics will include the history of colonial, fascist, and post-colonial migrations, the ethics of humanitarian aid, European and African cooperation on regulating migration, and the contemporary activism of undocumented migrants in Europe.

Learning Objectives

* Discuss multiple perspectives on migration to Europe
* Understand the historical roots of contemporary issues
* Analyze arguments about migration policy and humanitarian aid

Class Materials (Required)

All the assigned readings will be uploaded on Canvas

Class Notes

History Area(s) of Concentration: European

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required