Human development and mobility in a changing world

The course pertains to the general area of political anthropology and to the related sub-disciplines of anthropology of migration, development and humanitarianism, as well as to studies on citizenship and political inclusion. It presents an introduction to the concept of human development in relation to global migratory dynamics, with a special focus on the relationships between low and high-income countries, on forced migration, refugees and humanitarianism. Whilst the first part of the course highlights general issues and themes related to human development, global mobility and citizenship, in a second part specific case-studies will be analysed, drawing on socio-anthropological research as well as on documentation and studies produced by international organizations (UNDP, UNHCR etc.).

Knowledge and Understanding

Through a combination of frontal lectures, individual/group presentations, in-class exercises, at the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Critically debate key questions on human development, migration between low- and high-income areas, development/mobility nexus and mobility/citizenship nexus, humanitarian interventions.
2. Develop the capacity for conceptual and ethical reflection on development and mobility policies, policies related to refugees and displaced people.

Ability to apply Knowledge and Understanding

3. Analyse specific case studies (country or regional assessments, development projects, humanitarian interventions, migration dynamics) from the perspective of human development.
4. Analyse data and documentation on human development and migration, specifically those produced by UN agencies.