A World on the Move: Migration and Colonisation from Prehistory to Present

Overview

Overview

Humans have always been on the move: sometimes by choice as colonisers, traders or travellers, and at other times by necessity, as migrants escaping difficult or dangerous circumstance or seeking better opportunities.

Migration, the movement of people between places, can be voluntary or forced, temporary or permanent, and may be driven by a complex range of economic, social, political, or environmental factors. Colonisation refers to the acquisition of new lands and resources, typically motivated by the desire to acquire new wealth and power, or in the pursuit of religious or ideological goals. It is often accompanied by the subjugation of one group of people by another through military force.

This lecture series will explore the history of human migration from prehistory to the present-day global migration crisis and will examine the social, economic, cultural, religious and political factors that have driven migration. Lectures will cover a wide range of topics including why people migrate, the impact of migration on societies, customs and cultures, the effects of physical changes to the urban and rural landscapes as well as the challenges faced by both migrant and host communities.

Date, Time and Place

This lecture-only module comprises of one lecture per week for eight weeks, spread across two academic terms (16 lectures in total). The course commences in September 2023 and recommences in January 2024.

Classes will take place on Mondays between 7pm-8pm. The course will take plane on-campus in Trinity, with  venue yet to be confirmed. Lectures will be livestreamed but will not be recorded.

Please check the School of Histories and Humanities website in August for updates on this course at: www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/shortcourses/