An Introduction to Diaspora Studies
Course Overview, Description and Rationale
Course Overview
The Guyanese diaspora refers to the large number of Guyanese people who live outside of Guyana.
Traditionally, Guyana has had a negative net migration rate, with the trend peaking during the 1980s and markedly reducing during the past two decades. Between 1965 and 2000, almost 90 per cent of Guyanese nationals with a tertiary-level education and 40 percent of those with a secondary education emigrated from Guyana. This situation was compounded by pull factors in developed countries including favourable immigration laws in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada during the post-independence era of Guyana. This can be attributed to Guyana’s challenging history – economically, socially and politically – which created conditions that served as push factors for migration. (IOM, 2021)
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Despite being scattered around the world, Guyanese people in the diaspora have maintained strong connections to their homeland. They often send money back to Guyana to support family members, and they may also return to Guyana to visit relatives or invest in businesses. The Guyanese government has also made efforts to reach out to the diaspora, recognizing the important role that they can play in Guyana’s development.
This introductory course traces where the concept ‘diaspora’ came from how its meaning changed over time, why its usage has expanded so dramatically in recent years. It will also help students to recognize the importance of the diaspora and their contributions to Guyana through remittances, investments, knowledge and skills transfer, promoting Guyanese culture, advocacy and networking.
Course Objectives:
1. To introduce students to the concept ‘diaspora and its importance in contemporary society;
2. To expose students to the evolution of this concept and make them aware of the
3. different typologies of the diaspora and their relevance.
4. To bring awareness to the connection between human migration and the diaspora, especially in the Guyana context.
5. To expose students to the importance of the diaspora to the development of Guyana.
Entry Requirements
Applicants with the following qualifications or job experience can be eligible to apply:
a certificate from any one of the Technical Institutes in Guyana, Critchlow Labour College, IDCE, Adult Education;
Five (5) subjects at CSEC or GCE O’Levels OR three (3) subjects at CAPE or GCE A’ Levels;
OR 3 years or more experience;
OR work with the diaspora
The target audience for this course will mainly be persons who have to work directly with the diaspora through the various private and public sectors in Guyana (health, education, immigration, tax, etc.)
A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Co-requisites/ Pre-requisites:
No co-requisite or pre-requisite is required for this course. It is intended as a professional development course for individuals who are pursuing the course as a special student or as an elective for UG students. This course can also be a ‘feeder’ course for the semester course – Introduction to Diaspora Studies for persons who are desirous of obtaining an in-depth understanding of diaspora studies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept ‘diaspora’ and the different typologie
2. Understand the importance of diaspora engagement and its role in Guyana’s development
Teaching Methodology
1.Classes will be held for seven (7) days.
2.Duration: 9hrs to 13hrs (4hrs)
3.Total hours (28hrs)
An Introduction to Migration
Studies
Course Overview, Description and Rationale
Course Overview
This course provides an introductory exploration of migration, covering its causes, impacts, and various dimensions. Most importantly, students will gain an understanding of migration patterns in Guyana from a historical to the current context.
The experiences of migrants, and the broader implications for the integration of the migrants into the Guyanese society will also be examined.
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Course Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able:
1. To understand the historical, social, economic and political dimensions of migration and emigration in Guyana.
2. To understand the key theories and concepts related to migration studies.
3. To analyze the impact of migration on Guyana and the Caribbean Region.
4. To ensure that students can identify and describe the changing dynamics of recent migration in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Entry Requirements
Applicants with the following qualifications or job experience are eligible to apply:
a certificate from any one of the Technical Institutes in Guyana, Critchlow Labour College, IDCE, Adult Education;
Five (5) subjects at CSEC or GCE O’Levels OR three (3) subjects at CAPE or GCE A’ Levels;
OR 3 years or more experience;
OR work with migrants
This course will target primarily professionals in the public and private sector who work directly with migrants (health, education, immigration, tax, etc.)
A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Co-requisites/ Pre-requisite:
No co-requisite or pre-requisite is required for this course. It is intended as a professional development course for individuals who are pursuing the course as a special student or as an elective for UG students. This course can also be a ‘feeder’ course for the semester course – Introduction to Migration Studies for persons who are desirous of obtaining an in-depth understanding of migration studies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Have an understanding of the foundational theories and concepts of migration studies
2. Have an understanding of the impact of migration on Guyana and the Caribbean
3. Demonstrate an understanding of current trends in migration in Guyana and the Caribbean
Teaching Methodology
1. Classes will be held for seven (7) days.
2. Duration: 9hrs to 13hrs (4hrs)
3. Total hours: (28 hrs)