GLCb2030 Environmental migration

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mag. phil. Raffaella Pagogna (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mag. phil. Raffaella Pagogna
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Soňa Enenkelová
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 16:00–17:40 P24b
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 12 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
In this introductory seminar, Bachelor students will receive a comprehensive overview of ongoing debates concerning the impact of climate change on migratory patterns. The effects of environmental and climate changes spark controversial discussions among scientists, politicians, and the general public regarding their influence on migration. With climate change projections in mind, forecasts predict an imminent rise in relocations due to environmental factors. Grasping the intricate mechanisms that link environmental shifts and human mobility becomes pivotal, serving as the foundation for well-informed policy crafting. Participants in the seminar will develop an understanding of the interplay between environmental and migration concerns, enabling critical reflection against the backdrop of current debates. Additionally, they will explore the relationship between environment and migration, encompassing not only empirical aspects but also the discursive and political dimensions. Throughout the seminar, conceptual approaches will be introduced, complemented by discussions of empirical findings from diverse regions
Learning outcomes
The participants know the current debates on the topic of environment migration and are able to critical reflect on them The participants have dealt with a thematic case study in depth The participants have cultivated effective scientific presentation skills The participants have gained first experience in writing a seminar paper
Syllabus
  • Week 1: Introduction Syllabus discussion and course overview Introduction to climate migration research Week 2: Key Concepts and Challenges Readings: Boas, Ingrid et al. (2022). "Climate Mobilities: Migration, Im/mobilities, and Mobility Regimes in a Changing Climate." Ferris, Elizabeth (2020). "Research on Climate Change and Migration: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?" Discussion: Key concepts, questions, and problems in climate migration research Week 3: Terminology Debate Readings: Piguet, E. (2013). "From 'Primitive Migration' to 'Climate Refugees.'" Felli, R. (2013). "Managing Climate Insecurity by Ensuring Continuous Capital Accumulation." Discussion: Labelling the phenomenon - Environmental migrants, climate refugees, or something else? Week 4: Myths and Realities Readings: Durand-Delacre, D. et al. (2021). "Climate Migration Is About People, Not Numbers." Boas, I. et al. (2019). "Climate Migration Myths." Discussion: Debunking climate migration myths Week 5: Theoretical Frameworks Reading: Black, R. et al. (2011). "The Effect of Environmental Change on Human Migration." Discussion: Environmental change and migration - Theories and concepts Week 6: Empirical Evidence Readings: Warner, K. & Van der Geest, K. (2013). "Loss and Damage from Climate Change: Local-level Evidence." Zickgraf, C. et al. (2016). "The Impact of Vulnerability and Resilience on Mobility Patterns in West Africa." Borderon, M. et al. (2019). "Migration Influenced by Environmental Change in Africa." Discussion: Environmental migration - Empirical evidence from various regions Week 7: Reading Week (No Classes) Week 8: Rights and Justice Readings: Sheller, M. (2023). "Mobility Justice After Climate Coloniality." Bettini, G. et al. (2017). "The Fading Contours of (In)justice in Competing Discourses on Climate Migration." Discussion: Migrant Rights, climate, and mobility justice Week 9: Policy Perspectives Readings: Nash, S. L. (2019). "A Spotlight on Negotiating Mobility in Paris." Gemenne, F. (2011). "How They Became the Human Face of Climate Change." Discussion: Policy in the light of environmental migration Week 10: Case Studies (Guest Speaker) Reading Van Praag, L., Lietaer, S., & Michellier, C. (2021). A Qualitative Study on How Perceptions of Envi- ronmental Changes are Linked to Migration in Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. Human Ecology, 50(2), 347-361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-021-00278-1 Afifi, T., Milan, A., Etzold, B., Schraven, B., Rademacher-Schulz, C., Sakdapolrak, P., ... & Warner, K. (2016). Human mobility in response to rainfall variability: opportunities for migration as a successful adaptation strategy in eight case studies. Migration and Development, 5(2), 254-274. Guest Speaker: [TBA] Discussion: Case studies in environmental migration Week 11: Student Presentations - Case Study I Week 12: Student Presentations - Case Study II Week 13: Wrap-up Session and Reflection Assessment: Class participation and discussion: 25% Weekly readings and questions: 15% Mid-term assignment (Policy Brief): 15% Case study presentation: 20% Final research paper: 25%
Teaching methods
Lectures, class discussions, exercises
Assessment methods
In our classes, about half of the time will be spent on lectures, where you're encouraged to ask questions and participate. The other half will involve group discussions and practice related to our reading materials. These discussions will come in different forms. Class participation means you join the discussion, contribute based on your weekly reading questions, participate in group activities, and give individual presentations. To stress how important participation is in our classes, it makes up 25 percent of your final course grade In this course, you will need to prepare discussion questions based on the assigned readings. For each class, come up with at least three questions that analyze the readings in the context of environmental migration studies. We'll use these questions to kick-start our group discussions. You must also submit your questions and reflections online via the course platform's Homework Vaults (link provided) by 9:00 PM the day before each class. This ensures your active engagement with the readings and fulfills a crucial course requirement. Your reading and discussion questions will account for 20% of your final course grade. Assignment: Environmental Migration Case Study Group Project Selection of Case Study (Week 1-2): Policy Brief (Week 8): 15% of final course grade Presentation (Week 11-12): 20% of final course grade Final Seminar Paper (January): 25% of final course grade
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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