Refugees in/from Arab World takes a deep dive into the complex mechanics of refugees, the different types, identity, and the theme of displacement within the Arab world. With a specific focus on the causes of refugee movements, the course aims for its students to be knowledgeable and aware of the lived experiences of refugees from the refugees themselves and compare that to their media portrayal. Hence, it criticizes the media’s inaccurate or villainizing representation of refugees and deconstructs the false narratives that are framed around refugees. The curriculum addresses the obstacles and challenges that refugees are exposed to as they maneuver through their new realities. The course also brought in guest speakers who are experts on the topic and can enlighten students by bridging the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge of the current debates and events related to refugees. This multifaceted strategy of learning equips students with a tendency to read beyond the headlines and seek the truth, building the sensitivity necessary to adequately produce meaningful messages and work around the critical international dilemma.
This course aided my understanding of my topic since it tackles how the media representation of refugees is part of its political agenda to villainize and keep them excluded, and this is the same narrative that the media constructs for female political participants to keep them excluded from the political field through influencing public perception of female political participation. In addition, strengthening the voices of refugees themselves underscores the value of strengthening the female political voice. Lastly, the course’s examination of policy suggestions to resolve the challenges refugees face parallels the policy suggestions that can increase female political participation. The utilization and understanding of similar techniques in policymaking to support refugees can also support female politicians in the same manner by providing a framework that can be applied to all underrepresented or misrepresented communities. While the course does mainly address the concerns of displacement and refugees, there are similar themes such as media influence and policy development that are immensely relevant to the discourse about the female political landscape.
