Refugees in the 21st Century from Coursera

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Syllabus

Week one: Course Introduction and 'A world of refugees'

This MOOC provides insight into the refugee phenomenon as one of the most complex, compelling and (arguably) misunderstood features of the 21st century. Taking a global perspective, it will outline the fundamentals of who ‘refugees’ are, where they come from and where they go, as well as delving into the features of the global system for refugee protection and ‘solutions’ for those who have been forcibly displaced. It places the student at the centre of the learning experience through engagement with a range of robust and challenging activities, materials and online peer engagement. This course has been developed by the Refugee Law Initiative at the renowned School of Advanced Study of the University of London, one of the leading research institutions working on refugee protection and forced migration studies. Please review the Course Introduction video and activities and then proceed to our first weekly lesson: 'A world of refugees'.

Week two: Who is a refugee?

This session addresses the paramount question of who is a refugee. The concept of a ‘refugee’ can be interpreted in several ways. The session shows that, alongside the ‘everyday’ meaning of the term, the global refugee regime established by the international community also uses a ‘specialised’ technical understanding of the term. The session asks you to think how that technical term might be applied by governments and others in practice to different situations when deciding who qualifies as a ‘refugee’ deserving protection by the international community.This week we will be looking to explore the following areas: key aspects of what we mean when we use the term ‘refugee’; comparisons between the technical definition of a ‘refugee’ and everyday use of this term; key features of the technical ‘refugee’ definition in the 1951 Refugee Convention, and; ‘asylum seeker’ as a non-technical term merely for persons seeking to have their refugee status recognised.

Week three: The global 'system' of refugee protection

In today’s world, there exists a ‘global system’ for responding to refugee arrivals. This session introduces you to two of the main features of this system: the 1951 Refugee Convention as the ‘cornerstone’ of refugee protection standards globally; and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as the global actor charged with the role of refugee protection by the international community. You are asked to reflect on the continuing relevance of this system, established in the middle of the 20th century, in the shifting contexts of the 21st century.This week we will be looking to explore the following areas: the global ‘system’ created by States for refugee protection; the main features of its legal ‘cornerstone’, the 1951 Refugee Convention, and; how the main institutional actor, UNHCR, fulfils its role in today’s world.

Week four: Solving the 'refugee problem'

With forced displacement at such high levels, a crucial component of the refugee protection regime is finding durable, long-lasting solutions for refugees and displaced persons. This session introduces you to the three core ‘durable solutions’ for refugees: voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement. You will examine the similarities and differences between these forms of durable solution, and the challenges that lack of solutions in practice pose for refugees around the world. This week we will be looking to explore the following areas: the concept of ‘solutions’ for refugees as the end of refugee status; the similarities and differences between the three main ‘durable solutions’ for refugees, and; the process and challenges of (lack of) solutions in a real-life case study.

Week five: Refugees as migrants

For a variety of reasons, some refugees move on from their first country or region of asylum to more geographically distant locations. Looking particularly at the European ‘crisis’ of 2015, this session explores the patterns and drivers of such refugee ‘mobility’ and how refugees undertaking these migratory journeys can get caught up in broader efforts to prevent or discourage irregular migration. This week we will be looking to explore the following areas: debates about the extent to which refugees are ‘migrants’; Government strategies to deter immigration and their impact on refugees, and; a case study of secondary movements and deterrence strategies.

Week six: Only the tip of the ‘forced migration’ iceberg

Refugees are not the only kind of forced migrants. Indeed, they represent only the tip of the iceberg so far as the wider universe of forced migrants in the 21st century is concerned. This session asks you to consider two of these other kinds of forced migrants lacking the protection of a State: stateless persons; and ‘internally displaced persons’ (IDPs). It focuses particularly on the similarities and differences between refugees and IDPs globally, including an assessment of the main protection challenges facing IDPs globally today. This week we will be looking to explore the following key areas: the wider range of forced migrants, including stateless persons, IDPs etc.; similarities and differences between refugees and conflict-IDPs globally, and; protection challenges in situations of internal displacement.

Good to know

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Suitable for learners who are interested in the humanitarian assistance arena

Introduces learners to various policies and regulations regarding refugee assistance

Examines multiple perspectives on the refugee phenomenon, which is valuable for learners who seek to understand the complexities of the issue

Taught by instructors who are well-respected in the field of refugee studies, whose expertise enhances the learning experience

Includes a range of activities and materials that foster engagement and a deeper understanding of the subject matter

Learners should note that the course does not delve into specific case studies or provide hands-on experience with refugee assistance

Reviews summary

Refugees in the 21st century

Learners say this course offers in-depth knowledge about refugees and forced migration, with a focus on the 21st century. The course is described as well-structured, informative, and interesting. It provides a global perspective on refugee protection and includes up-to-date readings, videos, and discussion forums. The course has received largely positive reviews, with learners praising the quality of the materials, the expertise of the instructors, and the overall learning experience.

Experienced professors provide valuable insights and expertise.

"Thank you so much Prof DAVID AND PROF SARAH, you both made this course very interesting and educative."

"Excellent course and very competent instructors."

Thought-provoking discussions foster critical thinking on refugee challenges.

"If you looking for more interactive course with your peers, this will meet your expectation."

"This course has been tremendously useful to understand in a global and empathetic way the different situations that forced displaced people experience and the material they deliver is of very good quality."

Engaging documentary-style videos help visualize refugee experiences.

"The course is an eye-opening. Thank you for open resurces particularly which covers the global compact on refugees."

"I enjoyed the explanatory videos the most, and also the reading material. the course was very helpful."

Provides a comprehensive global overview of refugee issues.

"It was a great excellent introductory course for people interested in the subject."

"It will definitely help me better understand the refugee situation and improve my performance in my work in a refugee shelter."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Refugees in the 21st Century with these activities:

Review Humanitarian Law Principles

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Establish a solid foundation for understanding the legal and ethical principles that guide refugee protection and humanitarian assistance.

Browse courses on Humanitarian Law

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Review key concepts and principles of humanitarian law
Identify the main actors and institutions involved in refugee protection
Discuss the challenges and complexities of implementing humanitarian law in practice

Review Refugee Definition

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Establish a strong understanding of who is considered a refugee according to international law.

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Read UNHCR's definition of a refugee
Summarize the key elements of the definition
Apply the definition to real-world examples

Read 'Refugee' by Colin Grant

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Gain a firsthand perspective on the refugee experience and the complexities of displacement through the poignant and insightful memoir of Colin Grant.

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Read and reflect on Colin Grant's experiences
Analyze the themes and messages conveyed in the book
Compare and contrast the personal experiences with the broader refugee phenomenon

Four other activities

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Practice Identifying Durable Solutions

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Develop the ability to recognize and differentiate between the three durable solutions for refugees.

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Review the definitions of voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement
Analyze case studies to identify which solution is most appropriate
Write a short explanation justifying your choice for each case study

Attend a Refugee Aid Workshop

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Engage with experts and practitioners in the field of refugee aid to gain practical knowledge and insights into providing effective support.

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Identify and register for a reputable refugee aid workshop
Actively participate in the workshop activities and discussions
Network with other attendees and professionals in the field

Explore the Refugee Convention

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Gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework that governs refugee protection by delving into the provisions and principles of the Refugee Convention.

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Read the full text of the Refugee Convention
Identify the key articles that define refugee status and protection
Analyze how the Convention has been interpreted and applied in practice

Write a Blog Post on Refugee Crisis

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Synthesize your knowledge and understanding of the refugee phenomenon by creating a comprehensive and informative blog post.

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Research the causes and consequences of the refugee crisis
Identify key issues and perspectives surrounding the crisis
Write a well-organized and well-argued blog post
Share your blog post and engage in discussions with readers

Career center

Learners who complete Refugees in the 21st Century will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Refugee Resettlement Counselor

Refugee Resettlement Counselors assist refugees in adjusting to their new lives in a foreign country. They provide guidance on a variety of topics, from housing and employment to education and healthcare. This course would be particularly helpful for Refugee Resettlement Counselors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon, including the legal framework for refugee protection and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Refugee Resettlement Counselors develop the skills they need to provide effective support to refugees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Refugee Resettlement Counselor

Asylum Officer

Asylum Officers adjudicate asylum applications and determine whether or not applicants meet the criteria for refugee status. This course would be helpful for Asylum Officers as it provides a detailed understanding of the international refugee regime and the legal definition of a refugee. The course would also help Asylum Officers develop the analytical and decision-making skills they need to adjudicate asylum applications fairly and efficiently.

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Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to refugees and other displaced populations in emergency situations. This course would be helpful for Humanitarian Aid Workers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Humanitarian Aid Workers develop the skills they need to provide effective assistance to refugees.

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Immigration Lawyer

Immigration Lawyers represent clients in immigration matters, including asylum applications and refugee status determinations. This course would be helpful for Immigration Lawyers as it provides a detailed understanding of the international refugee regime and the legal definition of a refugee. The course would also help Immigration Lawyers develop the skills they need to represent their clients effectively in immigration proceedings.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies related to refugee protection and forced migration. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to develop and evaluate policies that are effective and humane.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide counseling and support to refugees and other displaced populations. This course would be helpful for Social Workers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Social Workers develop the skills they need to provide effective support to refugees.

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Journalist

Journalists report on refugee issues and raise awareness of the challenges that refugees face. This course would be helpful for Journalists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Journalists develop the skills they need to report on refugee issues accurately and fairly.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students about refugee issues and promote understanding and empathy for refugees. This course would be helpful for Teachers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Teachers develop the skills they need to teach about refugee issues in a way that is engaging and informative.

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Researcher

Researchers study refugee issues and develop new knowledge about the causes and consequences of forced migration. This course would be helpful for Researchers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Researchers develop the skills they need to conduct research on refugee issues.

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Activist

Activists advocate for refugee rights and work to improve the lives of refugees. This course would be helpful for Activists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Activists develop the skills they need to advocate for refugee rights effectively.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee refugee assistance programs and ensure that refugees have access to the services they need. This course would be helpful for Program Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Program Managers develop the skills they need to manage refugee assistance programs effectively.

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Fundraiser

Fundraisers raise money to support refugee assistance programs. This course would be helpful for Fundraisers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Fundraisers develop the skills they need to raise money for refugee assistance programs effectively.

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Volunteer

Volunteers provide direct assistance to refugees and other displaced populations. This course would be helpful for Volunteers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Volunteers develop the skills they need to provide effective assistance to refugees.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between refugees and service providers. This course would be helpful for Interpreters as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Interpreters develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with refugees.

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Translator

Translators translate documents and other materials for refugees and service providers. This course would be helpful for Translators as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global refugee phenomenon and the challenges that refugees face. The course would also help Translators develop the skills they need to translate documents and materials accurately and effectively.

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