Massive population displacements are regularly forecasted as one of climate change's most dramatic consequences. The nexus between environmental change and migratory dynamics is, however, far more complex than the usual causal and direct relationship portrayed by media and policy-makers. Building upon extensive fieldwork, this class aims to examine the migratory flows associated with environmental disruptions – those induced by climate change, of course, but also those induced by other causes such as industrial accidents. It introduces theoretical debates, empirical realities and methodological issues associated with environmental migration research. Finally, the class addresses the policy responses that have been implemented so far, as well as those that are envisioned for the future.
Additional requested information:
This course is a mixture of theoretical and practical learning. We will consider the conceptual challenges, theoretical frameworks as well as practical application in research methods, policies and programmes related to environment and migration. Specific attention is dedicated to the writing of a case study involving primary research.
Caroline ZICKGRAF
Séminaire
English
Course workload:/
Each week students have a set of thematic readings relevant to the upcoming session. The majority of the semester's workload is focused on the production of a high-quality research paper (including primary research). Active online discussion on Moodle is required related to readings and the final assignment.
An interest in the intersection between migration and environment and a willingness to engage in primary research and academic writing.
Spring 2023-2024
Course requirements - grading and assessment:/
1-Research paper (case study): Due end of semester (65%)
2-Drafting and presentation of abstract and paper outline: Mid-term (25%)
3-Participation: Assessed throughout course (10%)
Each student will choose a different case-study that occurred within the year prior to the course (i.e. 2020), according to their thematic and geographical interests and language skills. Students will have to describe and analyse the ongoing migration and/or displacement dynamics associated with environmental changes in that region or during that event. The case studies should be prepared with a view to publication because the best papers may be selected for the State of Environmental Migration 2021: A review of 2020. It is strongly encouraged, therefore, to consider the feasibility of producing a 5000 to 7000-word paper within their course load prior to enrollment.
10% of the mark will be based on the students' active involvement in the seminars' discussions (virtual discussion sessions and on Moodle). 25% of students' marks is based on a case study outline and 200 word abstract at the mid-point of the semester. 65% of the mark will be based on the final paper to hand in by the end of the semester.
Pedagogical format:/
Lecture with interactive discussion. In light of current circumstances, students are expected to engage with syllabus readings and other readings and videos posted in the online forum before each session. The Zoom sessions will then combine short lectures with active debates picking up on online discussions.
1. McLeman, R. & F. Gemenne (Eds.). (2018). Routledge Handbook of Environmental Migration and Displacement (pp. 3–16). Routledge.
4. Zickgraf, C. (2020). Were we all trapped? Reflections on immobility during a global pandemic https://environmentalmigration.iom.int/blogs/were-we-all-trapped-reflections-immobility-during-global-pandemic
6. Tacoli, Cecilia. Crisis or Adaptation? Migration and Climate Change in a Context of High Mobility. Environment and Urbanization 21, no. 2 (October 1, 2009): 513–25.
7. Zickgraf, C., S. Vigil Diaz Telenti, F. De Longueville, P. Ozer, and F. Gemenne. (2016. The Impact of Vulnerability and Resilience to Environmental Changes on Mobility Patterns in West Africa. KNOMAD Series. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group
5. Gemenne, F. (2011). How They Became the Human Face of Climate Change. Research and Policy Interactions in the Birth of the Environmental Migration' Concept. In Migration and Climate Change, edited by Pecoud A. and De Guchteneire P. Piguet E., 225–59.