Africa, Development & Diaspora

Level: Undergraduate

Division: University-wide Programs

Department: Global Studies

Course Number: UGLB 3406

Course Format: Seminar

Location: NYC campus

Permission Required: No

Description:
Today an unprecedented convergence between development, migration and diasporas is redefining migration policies internationally and affecting the relationship between the diasporas and their states. This seminar offers a critical approach to the study of migration and development using the case of Africa, especially drawing on current examples from the Horn of Africa, with a special focus on the relationship between diaspora and state-building in Somalia. A specific focus of this class will be on the recent shift in policy among many international organizations—such as the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Development Program, and the World Bank—towards recruiting from the African diaspora when implementing development projects. This course will address several key issues related to transnational citizenship and development, including the different roles of African migrants upon return to their home countries and the effect of economic, social and political relationships between Africans and the African diaspora on the functioning of the state in Africa. Readings will include anthropological texts that explore different development practices across the African continent; international relations and political science articles detailing the history and impact of global migration policies; and critical examinations of the current processes of state building drawing from primary and secondary sources.

Restrictions:

Level

Open to Undergraduate students.