240095 SE VM3 / VM6 - Human Im/Mobility (2023S)

This seminar offers different perspectives and approaches in studying human im/mobilities. Classical human migration studies as well as important international actors, like the United Nations, differentiate between three main pillars: migration, displacement and planned relocation. Often, forms of human mobility are still assigned to clear-cut dualistic categories, as force and voluntariness or short-term and long-term or internal and international human mobility. Therefore, in this seminar, we try to move away from this dichotomy and see forms of human mobility and immobility as co-dependent and intrinsically connected on a continuum from voluntariness to force. Additionally, migration studies show a clear mobility bias with the underlying assumption that “being mobile” is still the exemption compared to unusual sedentariness. Socio-spatial immobilities keep being blindsided or, sometimes, are only connected to negative connotations beyond free will and agency (“trapped populations”).

First, factual knowledge will be gained by reading, discussing and critiquing theories and approaches on human im/mobility, migration, displacement and relocation within the first units of the seminar. Second, with this basic knowledge, we will also make room for diverse group presentations on topics, policies, discourses or representations regarding conrete examples within the realm of human im/mobilities. Third, students will interact with an expert (Raquel Lejtreger), and thereafter, choose their topic for their seminar paper which should reflect the theoretical sensitivity they gained.

Goals
After the seminar, student will…
…know theoretical approaches towards human im/mobility (migration, displacement and relocation) from multiple disciplinary perspectives (e.g. migration studies, human geography, anthropology, mobility studies)
… understand and reflect upon challenges and benefits each of these approaches (including its categories and terminology used) entails
… analyse and differentiate between theoretical approaches on human im/mobility in academia and policy responses on different scales
… critically reflect and evaluate current phenomena on human im/mobility more systematically on the backdrop of their critical engagement with those three categories and alternative approaches produced in Global South contexts.