Course Syllabus
Human Trafficking and the Sex Trade
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2019 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Discipline: |
Legal Studies, Justice and Human Rights, Gender Studies |
| Faculty Members: |
Polina Smiragina and Ninna Mörner |
| Program Director: |
Iben de Neergaard - idn@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
Tuesdays and Fridays, 13:15-14:35, 1D-509 |
Human Trafficking is one of the most profitable criminal activities in the world which targets vulnerable populations of different age, sex and gender for the purpose of exploitation. The practices of exploitation range from different forms of sexual exploitation, organ removal, forced labor or practices similar to slavery. Human trafficking is a very complex global phenomenon. This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the extent of human trafficking in a global context focusing on the various dimensions of the crime. Most classes will be in the form of seminars or lectures. The seminars will be interactive, which involves group work, discussions, simulation games, debates and student presentations. Apart from lecture and seminar classes, throughout the course we will also learn about human trafficking through documentary films, case studies, field studies and guest lectures.
Expected learning outcomes:
- Be familiar with internationally-agreed upon definitions of trafficking in human beings and know how to distinguish the latter from related phenomena, such as smuggling;
- Understand principal causes of trafficking;
- Understand in what sense trafficking in human beings constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights, and be aware of human-rights based critiques of anti-trafficking activities;
- Have a basic understanding of the legal and policy framework and national responses surrounding trafficking, including international and regional instruments (e.g. Palermo Protocol, Council of Europe Convention);
- Be familiar with the various perspectives on and approaches to trafficking as an issue of migration, crime, human rights, labor, etc.; and
- Be able to critically analyze several of the key points of contrast among various approaches and views of the issue and be able to substantiate positions with references to reliable sources of information.
Field Studies
Two field study trips are planned for this semester. The field studies will take place at the Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat with the Task Force Against Trafficking in Human Beings and Ecpat Sweden. The exact times and locations are available on Calendar and will be given in class.
The field study dates are as follows:
January 23 | 8:30 – 12:30
March 13 | 13.00 – 17.00
Evaluation and Grading
To be eligible for a passing grade in this course all of your assignments must be completed and submitted. Late submissions are accepted with a reduction of 2% of the mark per day late. Evaluation of your work during the course will be based on 5 principal components, with the following relative weight:
|
Component |
Weight |
|
Class participation: attendance, CALQs, field journals, preparation, media assignment, active participation in class (oral and written assignments) |
15% |
|
Mid-term quiz |
20% |
|
Trafficking assignment |
20% |
|
Student debates |
15% |
|
Final exam |
30% |
Participation
Class participation includes attendance, preparation, active participation in class, CALQ’s, field journals and HT awareness assignment. Your participation will be measured taking into account all of the above components.
CALQ (due on February 19 and April 16): This is a short critical writing assignment of approximately 250 words. CALQ stands for Core Quote, Argument, Link and Question. You will be required to take 2 different sources (either a reading or a film) looked at in class and provide a short critical evaluation. Your Core Quote is a quote from one source of your choosing. After providing the quote you will need to make your Argument. After that you are required to use another source which you will link to the argument and finally you will be required to ask a Question which derives from the argument you are trying to make.
- Your CALQ should have a focus on human trafficking;
- Make sure to have a strong argument and develop it. With your argument, you need to develop a core claim;
- When you make a statement make sure you can refer to a source where this information came from or provide an analysis of how you came to this conclusion.
You will be asked to submit a total of 2 CALQs throughout the semester.
More details will be provided in class and on canvas.
Trafficking assignment (due on March 19)
You will be required to write an essay on human trafficking in a US state of your choice. Word limit: 2500 words (excluding references and bibliography). Font size 12, Times New Roman, 1,5 line and paragraph spacing. At least 3 sources need to be used in your essay from the course literature and 3 external sources.You should provide a critical analysis of the trafficking situation in your state: your argument needs to be supported by statistical data and facts from the literature that you will use for your essay, the facts must be referenced.
You will be required to complete a 3-step research plan. The first to be completed by February 15; the second by February 22; and the third by March 1. You are to submit your final essay on canvas no later than 1:15 pm on March 19 and present it in class. Each presentation should be 10 minutes long with extra time for comments and questions.
More details will be provided in class and/or on canvas.
Mid-term quiz (March 14)
The mid-term quiz will be online and will comprise of 15 questions. The questions are different and include fill in the blanc question(s), multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false. Note, in multiple answer questions 2 to all options may be correct. The quiz will be available from 09:00 am on March 7 until 11:59 pm on March 14. You will have one attempt at the quiz. You will have a time limit of 35 minutes for the entire quiz.
More details will be provided in class and/or on canvas.
Anti-trafficking campaign (April 30)
You will develop your own anti-trafficking campaigns in class and present your ideas to the class on April 12. Your campaigns will be graded and will form part of your participation grade. You will be given time to edit your campaigns and submit to me (approximately until April 30, however this deadline is subject to change). You will present your final campaigns at the 'End of Semester Showcase'.
More details will be provided in class and/or on canvas.
Class debates (May 3)
The students will be divided into 2 groups and given a debate topic in class.
Work in groups:
- Preparation
- Develop an opening statement
- After the opening statements the groups will commence to debate (rebuttal)
- Closing statements
Grading:
- 30% for group work
- 70% individual participation
More details will be provided in class and/or on canvas.
Final exam (May 10)
Written exam on May 10 from 12:00 to 14:00
Will consist of 2 parts:
Part A: Multiple choice (similar to the mid-term quiz)
Part B: Long-answer (essay questions)
More details will be provided in class and/or on canvas.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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