Human Trafficking in a Global Context

Copenhagen

3 credits

Major Disciplines: Human Rights, Legal Studies.

Faculty: Anne Brandt Christensen, abc@dis.dk , Anne Okkels Birk, aob@dis.dk

Program Director: Iben de Neergaard, Vestergade 10 A23, idn@dis.dk

Program Coordinator: Nya Oxfeldt Jensen, Vestergade 10 A23, noj@dis.dk

Program Assistant: Jenny Han, Vestergade 10 A23, yh@dis.dk

Description of course

Trafficking in human beings is a complex phenomena with many dimensions. For instance, trafficking may be approached as an issue of migration or organized crime that affects State security and rights, but it may also be viewed as a threat to human rights since it encompasses a spectrum of abuses of fundamental rights. Therefore, responses to trafficking must be multi-disciplinary and well coordinated because a variety of actors are involved to address different aspects of the problem, often times not necessarily with the same objectives. 

Since the adoption of the UN Palermo Protocol in December 2000, States have agreed upon a definition of trafficking in human beings and initiated numerous efforts to prevent and to respond to the problem of trafficking. These measures have included awareness campaigns, legislative reform, the development of national action plans and national co-ordinating structures as well as practical co-operation with international and non-governmental organizations, in particular to identify and to assist at-risk groups and victims of trafficking. This course will provide an overview of the issue of trafficking (perpetrators, victims, extent and organizations), the most important developments in the legal and policy framework to address trafficking at the international and European levels as well as insights and evaluation of the practical application of these measures. 

Instructors

Anne Brandt Christensen

BA and MA in Law (University of Copenhagen, 1995) Admitted to the Danish Bar, licensed to practice as Advokat. Has worked in the anti-trafficking field since 2007, including for the Danish Red Cross, and is recognized as an expert in the field nationally as well as internationally. Was awarded the European Crime Prevention Award in December 2014 for work through the non-profit anti-trafficking NGO HopeNow which she chaired for eight years. With DIS since 2007.

Mobile +45 2022 5598.   E-mail: abc@dis.dk

 

Anne Okkels Birk 

MA (political science, University of Aarhus, 1997). Diploma in Criminology (University of Copenhagen 2007). Independent consultant since 2007. Chief Advisor / Head of section in the Danish Prison and Probation Service, 2001 – 2006. Head of Section, Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, 1997 – 2000. With DIS from 2008.
Mobile +45 27 39 79 21  Email: aob@dis.dk 

 

Objectives of course

The course aims to introduce students to the definition and different manifestations of trafficking in human beings. The course will provide students with an overview of current responses in legislation, policy and practice at the international, European and national levels. Special emphasis will be given to developing an understanding of the measures taken to protect the human rights of trafficked persons. 

Teaching Methods

The course is taught as a combination of lectures and interactive methods such as group work, discussion, various exercises, films and a guest lecture.  

Evaluation of students' work during the course will be based on the following components, with the following relative weight: 

Assignment	Percentage of final grade	Deadline/date
Class participation: Attendance, preparation & ACTIVE participation in class	30 %	On-going
Media Assignment	10%	May 29
Written short test	10%	May 31
Trafficking in the US assignment	10%	June 1
Enslaved group presentation	10%	June 2
Online participation quizzes	10%	Before classes, week 3
Reflection on illegal markets	10%	June 8 at midnight
Reflection on learnings	10%	June 11 at midnight

Class Participation The evaluation of this component will take into consideration the following aspects: 

Attendance: attendance in all classes and field studies is mandatory. See academic handbook for further information. You are urged to be punctual, particularly where guest lecturers and/or films are concerned. If you miss multiple classes the Academic Director will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well.  Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS.  Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences you will need to provide a doctor’s note.

Preparation: preparation for each lecture is a course requirement. See reading list included in this syllabus. Please be aware that there may be slight changes in the reading assignments during the course and various handouts will also be distributed, but you will be provided with ample time to properly prepare.

Participation: Active participation in all class sessions is required, and forms an important part of the student's grade for this component. Participation should preferably reflect the student's critical capacities and knowledge of the course material (see ”preparation” here above). 

The aim of the student should be to contribute constructively to forwarding meaningful, relevant dialogue and discussion among the group; in practice, this means that expression of one's personal views should be backed up by references to pertinent readings, materials, etc.

The course heavily emphasizes your own engagement and active participation. Much of the learning in this course is dependent on how much effort you put into your own explorations and research, not least in connection with the different types of assignments.

 

Use of computers, I-phones, cell phones etc. in class Computers and I-phones are allowed in class PURELY for note-taking purposes. In case of other uses such as checking/updating Facebook, e-mails or internet surfing, it will have a negative impact on your participation grade. Cell phones are to be shut off during class and texting/SMS'ing etc during class will have a negative impact on your participation grade.

 DIS Academic Policies: All late work will be deducted one third of a grade point per day it is late. All work must be handed in in order to receive a passing grade in the class.

 Disability and resource statement:  

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Academic Support Acadsupp@dis.dk to coordinate this.  In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

 Academic Honesty (Plagiarism) – DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others.   Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software.  See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions. 

Films  Several films and documentaries will be shown during the course.

Readings  There is NO compendium for this class. All readings and materials are uploaded to Canvas. 

In addition, all students are expected to read an assigned chapter of the book by Rahila Gupta, Enslaved, the New British Slavery, (London, Portobello Books, 2007). Reading the whole book is optional. On June 2 students are required to give a group presentation in class on their assigned chapter. More information will be give during the first course session.