Course will explore global impact of current COVID 19 pandemic on migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, from perspective of psychology and human rights. We will critically assess current overall trends, and their historical origins, by exploring psycho-social impact of policies and practices implemented throughout the world in response to the pandemic, which notably include closing of borders, sharp reduction and even suspension of international travel, plus imposition of unprecedented globalized measures to control mobility, and quarantines.

Focus on case studies from key regions (e.g. U.S, Latin America, European Union, Africa, and Asia) and borders (U.S-Mexico, Euro-Mediterranean, Australia and its environs). Particular attention will be dedicated to dynamics of the pandemic in China, Taiwan, U.S. , and Western Europe, including intensification of anti-Asian (and specifically anti-Chinese) rhetoric and hate crimes plus racism and xenophobia more generally in the U.S and elsewhere.

Issues will be explored from inter-disciplinary, comparative, and intercultural perspective situating current trends within broader historical and theoretical context of evolving relationship between migration policy, migrant rights, and human rights.