Global perspectives on migrations in a local lense.
Migrants, refugees and local administrations
This course questions the role of local administrations (such as cities or counties) in the reception and integration of migrants.
International protection schemes and national legislations are inevitably territorialized, although the role of local actors has been less considered. However, they are on the frontline for providing basic services, from humanitarian relief to health, education, and housing. They are also exposed to claims from local citizens, border control vigilantism, solidarity groups or « nimby » lobbying.
What do local administrations do ? What are their responsibilities and levels of actions ? How do they interact with other actors, national authorities or international organisations ? How does it compare in different geographical areas and historical periods ?
This course is based on literature in political science, sociology and anthropology. It offers an overview on issues on global migrations, focused on forced migrations in the contemporary period, with examples based in a diversity of countries (France, United States, Turkey, Lebanon, Kenya…). It also considers the individual experiences of migrants and their agency in these local settings.
The purpose of the course is to provide understanding of migrations governances and experiences through geographical and institutional environments, and to question how human mobility is apprehended, how rights are effectively implemented or not, and what are future perspectives in the context of political and environmental unstability.
The course is open to students in the social sciences and humanities interested in academic research, law, diplomacy, or professions in relation with migration : international aid and development, refugee reception programs etc. Active participation is required : weekly readings and responses, contribution to class discussion. Grading will be based on participation and a final research paper. Papers can be submitted in English or French.
The course will be taught in English by a native French speaker : grammar and pronunciation mistakes are allowed, provided student’s determination to understand and communicate.
Final research paper (15 000 to 20 000 signs) : Your paper should analyze the role of local actors in a specific migration situation, based on literature review and empirical material (archives, interviews).
