GEOG31100 Fortress Europe and the Global War on Migrants

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is designed to provide students with robust insight into the global political and economic trends that drive and condition patterns of transnational migration and border enforcement across the European Union and between the European Union and the rest of the world. In the process, it aims to place current trends in global and historical context; to analyze the stakes and consequences of these phenomena; and to consider a variety of initiatives and alternatives/solutions proposed by migrant-led social movements and their allies across the EU. Topics to be considered will include international human rights and refugee protocols; the EU Dublin regulation on asylum protections; surveillance technology and the global "security industrial complex"; populist anti-immigrant movements, parties, and media narratives; the UK "hostile environment" paradigm; Ireland's program of direct provision; practices of border externalization; migrant solidarity and grassroots activism; and dynamics shaping contemporary migration patterns, including the autonomy of migration, transnational practices of social reproduction, insecurity across sending and transit countries, and climate change.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students should have:
1. A solid understanding of global migration patterns, and the legal structures and enforcement practices that bear on these.
2. Evaluated political, economic and human rights outcomes associated with contemporary border and asylum policies across the European Union.
3. Critically examined popular media narratives shaping how extra-European migrants and migration patterns are framed and represented.
4. Situated contemporary EU policy in a global and historical context.
5. Considered alternative policy proposals and practices disseminated by migrants their allies.

Indicative Module Content:

This module will focus on the geographies of European Union border policy and extra-European migration patterns through lectures and small group discussion. Indicative topics will include:

Basic international frameworks and protocols governing transnational migration, human rights and asylum practices
Social, political, economic and environmental factors shaping contemporary global migration patterns
Popular media narratives and framings of transnational migrants and migration, and EU border and asylum policies
Historical context and global comparison of contemporary EU border, asylum and migration policy
Alternatives proposed by migrants and allied social movements

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Small Group

12
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A diverse range of teaching and learning approaches will be adopted in the module ranging from large-group lectures, to small-group discussion, and incorporating individual and group preparatory work. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Midway through the semester you will be asked to write a review report on a text of your choosing (this must be approved in advance) that addresses one of the module themes laid out in the syllabus. Week 7 n/a Graded Yes

20
Presentation: At the conclusion of the trimester you will present a draft of your final research report to a group of your peers. As part of this assignment you will receive feedback and provide feedback to others. Week 12 n/a Graded No

15
Essay: This final essay assignment will require you to develop a research report drawing on assigned and independently-sourced readings addressing a related topic of your choosing. Group work is acceptable. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

25
Journal: On a semi-weekly basis throughout the module you will be asked to summarize and assess popular media articles bearing on contemporary border and migration issues, drawing on appropriate sources. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Attendance: Class time will be devoted to lectures; video screenings; zoom presentations and q&a with authors and filmmakers; and group work and conversation. Attendance and participation are mandatory. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

You will receive instructor feedback on your book review assignment, which you are encouraged to connect thematically to your final essay. The last week of the trimester (week 12) you will present your final research report and obtain peer and instructor feedback to be incorporated into the final, submitted assignment.

Name Role
Dr Christine Bonnin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn