Displacement Studies Minor

Our world is shaped by the movement of people, but the reasons for and impact of migration and displacement are not well understood. The Displacement Studies minor explores notions of place, identity, and narrative in thinking about issues of displacement, relocation, belonging, and rootedness. Students will learn about various factors that contribute to displacements, such as civil war, climate change, globalization and labor, redlining, eminent domain and other forms of forced human displacement. The minor foregrounds the experience of refugees and migrants while also providing an integrated approach across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to contextualize and discuss the variety of social, political, economic, cultural, and ecological factors related to the displacement and relocation of humans and other species.

Why do it?

This minor provides classroom and experiential learning that is essential for addressing unscripted, “wicked” problems that cannot be solved with simple solutions. Students develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the complicated and intersecting causes of displacement, as well as the complex histories of refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers. Through the variety of courses in this minor, students develop the skills necessary to listen to the experiences of displaced populations and interrogate the societal structures, institutions, and government policies that contribute to the displacement of vulnerable human and non-human populations. Students will work closely with faculty and staff in VT’s Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies. Experiential learning opportunities include volunteering with groups like Elimisha Kakuma, Blacksburg Refugee Partnership, and Primeros Pasos.

Who is it for?

The Displacement Studies Minor is for civic-minded students from any major who are committed to social justice, community engagement, and approaching problems creatively and collaboratively. Competencies and skills developed through this minor are transferable to a wide range of academic, professional, and civic settings.

Requirements

The 18-hour minor in Displacement Studies includes 6 hours of required introductory courses, 9 hours of electives, and a required 3-credit capstone course.

This minor is hosted by the Academy of Transdisciplinary Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in collaboration with numerous departments across Virginia Tech.