This course addresses three questions. Who is a refugee? What compels refugees to leave their homes? And how should governments and communities respond to them? In answering the first question we will explore recent examples of asylum seeking, state building and international law. In answering the second question we will look at the impacts of globalisation, war, persecution, poverty and environmental change on people flows. In answering the third question we will assess border protection, international organisations, and refugee advocacy. The interaction of concepts and case studies will illuminate the dynamics of political belonging and exclusion in international relations.

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will

• have the knowledge and skills to analyse different conceptions of refugees, understand the causes of human displacement and
• consider ways to enhance international relations so as to cater for this desplacement.

Presentation (10%); 2,500 word essay (45%); Formal Examination (45%)

A 2 hour lecture, 1 hour video and 2 hour tutorial for 8 weeks. Additional weeks will be dedicated to small group research seminars.

In addition to the contact hours, an average of 6 hours per week should be spent preparing for tutorials for the assessment pieces.

Two first year political science courses or EURO1004 and POLS1005 or with the permission of the lecturer.

This course can be counted towards the Politics and International Relations majors.