This course examines, through a global perspective, the typology, historical context and key characteristics of major migratory movements from the mid-19th century to the beginning of the 21st. Alongside the study of human mobility, the seminar focuses on the multi-significant phenomenon of diaspora, as it is shaped through the formation of transnational and intercommunal social networks, hybrid identities and cultural expressions, different forms of integration and attitudes towards the policies of sending and receiving countries. Finally, the refugee phenomenon is examined as a result of complex political and economic factors of global scope and as a field of interpretation of basic concepts around human rights. In addition to becoming familiar with basic theoretical tools, students will study specific cases of population mobility, such as Irish immigration to the US in the period 1840-1860, Chinese migration flows in the context of European colonialism in Southeast Asia, the Jewish diaspora and waves of “returnees” (Aliyah) to the state of Israel, European land settlers in Latin American countries, the ethnic neighborhoods of Little Italy, Chinatowns and Greek towns, contemporary African migration and diaspora in Europe, Latino communities in the US South.

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will have:

1. Understood that human mobility is a key axis and constant phenomenon of world history.
2. Familiarized themselves with the meanings of concepts such as diaspora, transnational communities, refugees, displaced populations.
3. Studied the most important population movements in contemporary history.
4. Thought about the stereotypical images that accompany the migration and refugee phenomenon.

Week #1: Introductory course about basic concepts related to human mobility: migration flows, refugees, displaced populations, diaspora.

Week #2: The map of major modern world movements, 19th - 21st century. Typology and historical context of the most important migration flows.

Week #3: Policies and ideologies. The myth of Odysseus and the wandering Jew. The "American Dream". Discussing the students' projects: methodological issues.

Week #4: The immigrant in the national discourse. Perceptions and uses of "race". Choice of topic for the projects by the students.

Week #5: Immigrant stories – the experience of immigration.

Week #6: Diasporic communities: identities and cultural landscapes.

Week #7: Discussion on the structure of the students' projects. Bibliographic guidance. Exchange of views and ideas in the classroom.

Week #8: Project presentation. Discussion.

Week #9: Project presentation. Discussion.

Week #10: Project presentation. Discussion.

Week #11: Project presentation. Discussion.

Week #12: Project presentation. Discussion.

Week #13: Project presentation. Discussion.

General Bibliography: Robin Cohen, Παγκόσμια διασπορά [Global diasporas], Αθήνα, Παπαζήση, 2003. Λ. Βεντούρα, Δ. Καρύδας, Γ. Κουζέλης (επιμ.), Σύνορα/Όρια, Αθήνα, Νήσος, 2017. Γιώργος Αναγνώστου, Διασπορικές διαδρομές, Αθήνα, Απόπειρα, 2012. Γιώργος Καλογεράς, Εθνοτικές γεωγραφίες. Κοινωνικο-πολιτισμικές ταυτίσεις μιας μετανάστευσης, Αθήνα, Κατάρτι, 2007.

Erasmus students will have access to texts and other material in English. 

Analysis of texts that the students find in the e-class platform.  Class discussion of topics with the support of audiovisual material. Oral presentations by the students.

• E-class platform
• Electronic wall

The evaluation of the students is based on the preparation and presentation of a project that will focus on one of the topics (immigration flows, refugee flows, diaspora communities) that are approached in the context of the course. The project should include a power point with text, photographic material, maps, tables and bibliographic references. It can also be accompanied by a folder or electronic wall with publications, articles and websites, audio-visual material and anything else that can contribute to the highlighting and better presentation of the topic.