Learning objectives
The learning objectives pertain to theoretical and methodological dimensions. With respect to theoretical dimensions, it is intended to convey a transdisciplinary view of migration issues with particular reference to students' ability to read them as social, economic and cultural phenomena by adopting an intersectional perspective, that is, by being able to read migration as much as issues of social class as well as issues related to colonialism and racialization on the one hand and transcultural patriarchy on the other hand.
With respect to methodological dimensions, the course aims to provide the first rudiments for a multidimensional (micro processual and macro structural at the same time) analysis of social phenomena, while using quantitative databases, ethnographic diaries, and legal documents. In this sense, the course also addresses students as 'people in mobility' (individual, family, generational) with the aim of helping them in the reframing of the migration experience and background that surrounds and crosses their lives.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The Sociolegal Clinic aims at introducing students to the multidisciplinary analysis of migration processes today understood as an emblematic example of the evolving role of the nation-state in the management of social conflicts and the global difference between social classes. Thus, objects of study such as the border, the frontier, cross-border solidarity, the detention condition of foreigners, and the inclusion- and exclusion processes of asylum seekers will be analyzed while maintaining attention to more general and cross-cutting social theory content inherent in symbolic, cultural, structural and institutional violence in the contemporary era and the way discrimination is structurally reiterated today.
The third module of the clinic will explore the links between the migration experience, recognition of rights and sexual identity. Indeed, more and more people belonging to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer) community are arriving in Italy and applying for international protection. Many of them come from countries where homosexuality or transgenderism is deeply criminalized both legally (in many countries the death penalty or imprisonment still exists) and socially with respect to the norms and values of the community of reference. Moreover, the process of recognition of rights once they arrive in Italy is particularly complex, and these people often experience double discrimination as migrants and as LGBTQ people. In the course of the module we will reconstruct the current physiognomy of the phenomenon, and thanks to the experiences developed by third party workers and jurists we will explore some concrete cases with particular reference to reception practices and the submission of the application for protection.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Study materials will be uploaded after each lecture and will consist of 3 scholarly essays on the topics discussed.
Teaching methods
The Course is characterized by an innovative teaching approach divided into three types of lectures:
- traditional lectures, aimed at the transmission of some theoretical concepts and basic methodological knowledge;
- open lectures that will involve people who directly experience the issues covered by the course (volunteers, NGO activists and migrant people;
- workshops 'in the field', placed in spaces where migratory phenomena take shape, are seen, and breathe daily (modalities and timing of these workshops will be agreed with the students). To carry out these workshops, the Clinic has established formal partnerships with several associations including: Ciac onlus; Mediterranea Human Saving; ASGI (Associazione Studi Giuridici Immigrazione); IrpiMedia; Doctors Without Borders.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam (overall for all 4 modules) includes:
- The development of a research paper produced by the student.
- The study of essays uploaded to Elly
Other information
The Sociolegal Clinic is addressed with a special invitation to all male and female students who want to 'work' (understand, process, think about) their own migration background in a broad sense (from the south to the north of Italy, from the south to the north of the world, from the east to the west of everywhere, even of a single city).
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Quality Education
Reducing Inequality
Peace, justice and strong institutions
