First Semester
1. Migration Law: International, European and National Dimensions
This course examines the legal framework governing the cross-border movement and relocation of persons who do not fall within any category of beneficiaries of international protection. In particular, it explores, from a historical perspective, the institutions developed initially under international law and subsequently under Greek and European law to regulate cross-border migration flows, such as consular visas, residence permits for employment, family reunification, etc.
The course focuses on the various aspects of the legal residence status of migrants in Greece, as shaped by successive interventions of the national legislature over the past two decades and by a comprehensive body of EU Directives and Regulations. Particular emphasis is placed on the rights afforded to migrants and, above all, on the mechanisms for their social integration, extending to the acquisition of citizenship in the host country.
2. Media Coverage and Investigative Reporting on Migration
The course “Media Coverage and Investigative Reporting on Migration” focuses on questions concerning how the press views, understands, documents and communicates to the public successive waves of migration and related developments.
Are contemporary media, in educational and cognitive terms, capable of confronting the “bigger picture” and documenting it objectively, without preconceived notions or biases? Do they investigate the causes underlying such developments, or do they become “lost in individual cases” and micro-level perspectives? Do they contribute to citizens’ knowledge and understanding of major migration-related events taking place around them? Is there sufficient and up-to-date academic literature and research on the subject in Greece? What are the key concerns and issues they highlight? Is there adequate legal, ethical and analytical competence regarding the breadth and depth of the phenomenon?
The refugee and migration issue lies at the centre of ideological conflicts and trends, including racist approaches involving the rejection, marginalisation or denial of the problem. Does this situation lead us into dead ends? What risks arise from such confused or distorted approaches in the press? Is there an official or unofficial rendering invisible of foreign nationals who live, work and contribute legally to the country?
Through such questions and methodological approaches, the course examines, from both methodological and analytical perspectives, the extent to which the media contribute to objective and constructive coverage of events, providing reliable information and knowledge rather than distorted representations.
The course emphasises the need for, and importance of, a human-centred and humanitarian, yet at the same time realistic, mapping of the challenges and issues surrounding migration, for the mutual and overall benefit of society. Its objective is to prevent journalism from contributing to ignorance, fear, phobias, suspicion or idealised representations, whether intentionally or as a result of omission and lack of knowledge.
3. Cultural Mediation
Introduction to the cultures of migrant and refugee communities. What is a cultural mediator and what role do they play? Introduction to the principles of cultural mediation. The different areas of the public and humanitarian sectors in which cultural mediators should have a role and participate.
4. Historical Origins of the Phenomenon
What has been the historical development of the phenomenon, both internationally and in Greece? What forms of mass population movement have occurred and what were the responses to them? How did they affect societies demographically, socially, economically and politically? What were the dominant narratives at the time?
The aim of the course is to familiarise students with other historical periods during which migration-related issues became particularly acute.
5. International Relations and Populations on the Move
How are international relations affected by, and how do they in turn affect, the phenomenon of populations on the move? What generates refugee and migration flows? War, climate change, dependency and neoliberal theories, centre and periphery. What is the impact of mass population movements on international relations? The securitisation of migration from different perspectives.
Second Semester
1. The Economics of Migration – Causes and Impacts
What have been the economic impacts of refugee movements in the past and today? What is the overall balance for host countries—in this case, Greece—and for local communities in particular? What are the effects on countries of origin? The economic contribution of migrants and refugees to the Greek national economy.
2. Political Theories and Practices: Refugees and Populations on the Move
What political theories and practices are currently being developed, both internationally and in Greece, with regard to populations on the move? What conflicting—or non-conflicting—political approaches are emerging concerning the management of population movements?
Do these approaches differ according to the domestic, socio-economic and political circumstances of host countries, and if so, how? How do different political forces and ideological currents in Greece and internationally position themselves towards the phenomenon?
3. Social Media and Populations on the Move
How do social media influence the way we view and perceive populations on the move, and how do social media in turn affect the populations themselves?
4. Refugee Law: International, European and National Dimensions
This course examines the fundamental principles of international, European and Greek law relating to the refugee phenomenon. Its aim is to provide a systematic presentation of the institutional and regulatory dimensions of refugee law, with emphasis on the different stages involved in the legal treatment and protection of asylum seekers and refugees: eligibility requirements for protection and grounds for loss of or exclusion from protection; temporary and subsidiary protection; first reception, registration and administrative detention; asylum procedures; rejection of an application, administrative removal and the principle of non-refoulement; acceptance of an application and issues of integration; and family reunification.
Particular emphasis is also placed on the safeguards and human rights afforded to asylum seekers and refugees, as well as on the legal treatment of vulnerable groups.
5. Management of Reception and Accommodation Facilities
What types of reception and accommodation facilities exist in Greece? What are the challenges, shortcomings, failures and deficiencies in their operation? What good practices have been developed and what positive outcomes have been achieved? The legal framework and prospects for integration. Cooperation between the public sector and NGOs. International examples and international standards.
Through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, students will become familiar with the realities of managing a particular type of public facility.