The broader socioeconomic and political transformations in Africa and Asia have recently resulted in increased migration flows to Greece and, more generally, to Europe. Being at the crossroads of populations and cultures the islands of Eastern Aegean have served as one of the entry “gates” to Europe. In this context, and especially in connection to the current crisis, border crossings have become the focus of intense debates as they are intertwined with issues of culture and identity formation, the European Union and state policy, and constructions of 'otherness'. By drawing on an increasing interest in the study of cultures, migrations and borders, our Summer School examines how migrations shape and are shaped by processes of boundary formation in a variety of cultural encounters.
The Summer School aims at bringing together students and researchers in humanities and social sciences with an interest in border and migration. The program is designed to combine theoretical instruction by renowned instructors from eight universities with various on-site activities.
The North Eastern Aegean island of LESVOS provides an ideal location for holding this Summer School, as it is currently one of the more important gates of immigrants and refugees to Greece and Europe and the site of a massive humanitarian intervention. The Summer School takes place as the 'European Refugee Crisis' goes on taking new forms and in times of radical transformations and the reconfiguration of borders in national and international levels. The program aims to address political, ethical and theoretical questions in this challenging landscape.
The program of the course is structured around five thematic axes:
a. Theoretical and methodological issues in the study of migration and borders.
b. Institutional and political aspects of the migratory condition.
c. People on the move: immigrant groups, refugees and host communities.
d. Cross-cultural encounters across borders and interactions of host/immigrant on the border.
e. The politics of humanitarian aid and the 'refugee crisis'.
Along with the seminars, the program includes some further activities. The participants will be given the opportunity to interact with citizens on the island assisting refugees and meet asylum seekers. A fieldtrip to Mytilene is organized for this purpose as well as some activities in Plomari. While acquainting themselves with the reality of migration on an Aegean island, participants will develop research skills and learn how to place their findings within wider local and global processes. Doctoral students and researchers will also have the opportunity to present their work at the PhD/Research Seminars. The Summer School includes the public screening of films on migration and border-crossing as well as it offers a variety of social and leisure activities.
A certificate of attendance will be awarded to all participants.
The Summer School corresponds to 2 ECTS units.
The Summer School is hosted at ‘Polykentro’, a heritage building at the heart of the historic town of Plomari.
Polykentro, a former soap-factory, functions today as the cultural centre of the town. It consists of a small museum exhibiting traditional techniques of soap-making (downstairs) and a theatre/lecture room (upstairs) accompanied by a sitting area with a bar. A wi-fi connection is available at Polykentro and participants often find it useful to bring their own laptops. As Polykentro is situated at the centre of the town, there is easy access to a photocopying centre, shops, supermarket, bank, etc.
For inquiries please send e-mail to: migbord2022@aegean.gr
Fees
The Summer School fees are €500. Accommodation, transportation and food are not included in the fees (with the exception of everyday coffee-breaks and a welcome reception dinner) but can be obtained at relatively low prices. The travel cost for the fieldtrip to Mytilene is included in the fees.
Scholarships
The scholarship grant corresponds to the reduced fee of €200 and does not include accommodation, transportation and food.
Please bear in mind that the selection will be based on the applicant's academic performance and motivation but priority will be given to:
a) applicants coming from Eastern European, Asian and African countries &
b) those with a non-professional status.
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below.