599 Seminar (Fynn Bruey):

LAW599

Canadian Race, Refugee, and (Im)Migration Law in International Context

(Fynn Bruey)

Prerequisite courses:

Prerequisite for: 

Instructor(s): Veronica Fynn Bruey

Method of presentation: Lecture/seminar/other

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Class Participation: 10%

Reflection ((Im)migrant/Refugee Interview): 15%

Group Presentation (Case Studies): 25%

Final Research Paper (RewrittenCase): 50%

COURSE DESCRIPTION

What is the typology of (im)migrants to Canada? Is race an indicator of (im)migration law and jurisprudence in Canada? How does Canada fair with respect to refugee protection globally?

With a quarter of its population born outside of the country, Canada is lauded a “country that welcome and tolerate immigrants”. Long before Giovanni Caboto’s expedition in 1497 (im)migration to Turtle Island began around 15,000 BC with the First Peoples. From an estimated population of 200,000 original dwellers, the population of Canada/ Le New France rose to ~78,000 by 1763, mostly dominated by white male immigrants from the British Isle and France. This trend would continue until 1951 when (im)migrants to Canada started to include “others” outside of Europe. In light of the resurgence of global anti-immigration sentiments and heightened securitisation of refugee protection, this advanced course examines Canada’s Eurocentric (im)migration law juxtaposed against Aboriginal self-determination and the lived experiences of recent migrants/refugees from the Global South. This course engages with the above questions drawing on (im)migration statutes/acts, case law, and jurisprudential doctrine on legal history, race relations, and critical refugee law in comparative contexts. Student presentation on (im)migration case studies will complement diverse perspectives of various guest speakers on key issues in the subject matter.

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Having a background in refugee/(im)migration law and critical race/legal theory will be an asset.

Description updated 2023-24. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):

No textbook required. An assortment of readings will be used.