ANTH 331: Refugees

ANTH 331-001: Refugees
(Fall 2026)

12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW

Innovation Hall 136

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Fall 2026

The current refugee crisis is the largest global displacement since World War II. By 2026, over 120 million people have been displaced by war, conflict, state or group violence, human rights abuses, and climate change. This course will enable students to: analyze the political, cultural, and social effects of displacement and forced migration; examine lived experiences of displacement in and beyond refugee camps; and consider the roles of local and transnational institutions in shaping the lives of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and undocumented people. Students will also critically engage with concepts such as humanitarianism, nationalism, religion, citizenship, belonging, identity, and care.

The course includes case studies from the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, South Asia, the Pacific, the United States, and Europe. Students will analyze scholarly texts, online and news media sources, and films and documentaries to better understand the refugee experience. They will also visit local refugee organizations and hear from refugee guest speakers to gain hands-on learning.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduction to causes and consequences of forced dislocation as a global issue. Covers formally recognized refugees, as well as people such as internally displaced persons and asylum seekers who are in refugee-like circumstances. Focuses on understanding the personal experiences of refugees and examining efforts on their behalf at national and international levels. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 credits, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.