The Refugee in Domestic and International Law
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LAWW4164 | Law | 4 | 15 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LAWW4164
- School
- Law
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 15
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
International law recognises a human right to seek asylum. Nonetheless, states are increasingly labelling asylum seekers as “illegal” immigrants and attempting to prevent asylum seekers from entering their territory. In this module, we will examine the international and domestic legal frameworks that apply to asylum seekers and other forced migrants. We will consider who is (and is not) a refugee, the rights of refugees and asylum seekers under international law, and the ways that states respond to asylum seekers in practice. We will reflect on the violence of borders and border policing, the racialisation of immigration debates, and consider how harmful migration policies can be challenged through law. Students are encouraged to apply what they are learning to contemporary border policing debates.
Target Students
Available to postgraduate (LLM) students in the School of Law. Also available to Exchange students hosted by the School of Law.
Classes
This module is taught in seminar format.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 15 pages
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to: 1. Develop students’ knowledge regarding the regulation of asylum seekers in domestic and international law.2. Develop students’ knowledge of the contemporary causes of forced migration including conflict, disaster and climate change.3. Introduce students to interdisciplinary perspectives on forced migration and border policing.4. Give students the tools to critically evaluate state policies and practices towards people seeking asylum.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- By the end of the module, students will have developed an understanding of states’ international law obligations towards people seeking asylum and common state responses to irregular migration.
- Students will also develop an understanding of the limitations of the international protection regime, including through the case study of climate refugees.
Intellectual skills
- By the end of the module, students will have developed skills in analysing and evaluating law and policy, encompassing both domestic and international law.
Professional practice skills
- By the end of this module, students will have developed skills which will enable them to undertake legal, policy and/or advocacy work in support of refugees and other displaced persons.
Transferable (key) skills
- By the end of this module, students will have developed their skills in critical reflection in relation to state migration policies and will have developed the ability to think creatively about domestic and international responses to forced migration.