KITA Discourse Series 2024/1: Masterclass: New Directions in Forced Migration Studies in Australia

NEW DIRECTIONS IN FORCED MIGRATION STUDIES IN AUSTRALIA
2 February 2024 (Friday)
9.00 a.m. – 12.20 p.m.
Platform: Hybrid

Forced migration studies have made significant strides in advancing diverse understandings of the world. This includes a distinct body of knowledge that delves into the historical and contemporary politics of displacement, incarceration, and resettlement. As a broad and multifaceted process, forced migration has captured the attention of various disciplines, including sociology, political science, history, anthropology, geography, linguistics, and law. In the Australian context, academic interest in this field has experienced exponential growth in recent times. Our upcoming Masterclass aims to shed light on the latest developments in forced migration studies in Australia, emphasising the incorporation of Indigenous histories, a broader exploration of the Asia-Pacific region, and innovative methodological considerations.

Presenters’ Profiles:

Prof. Michael McDonnell (The University of Sydney)

Professor Michael McDonnell is a professor in the Department of History, University of Sydney. He currently working on several major research projects, including an exploration of comparative Indigenous experiences of empire in a Revolutionary Age, an examination of the place of the American Revolution in Black American life and a study of Revolutionary War memoirs written by lower-class veterans of the conflict.

Dr. Niro Kandasamy (The University of Sydney)

Dr. Niro Kandasamy is a lecturer in the Discipline of History in the School of Humanities, University of Sydney. Her research focuses on refugee history, Indian Ocean geopolitics, memory and history, transnational activism, and disability in the Global South.

Dr. Nirukshi Perera (Australian National University)

Dr. Nirukshi Perera is a fellow in the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University. Her research sheds light on Sri Lankan diaspora; language use and policy in the homeland and diaspora; linguistic marginalisation; linguistic justice; linguistic reconciliation.

Dr. Matt Withers (Australian National University)

Dr. Matt Withers joined the School of Sociology, Australian National University in 2022. His research critically examines various aspects of the relationship between temporary labour migration and development across the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on Sri Lanka and – more recently – Pacific Island Countries.

PROGRAMME:

Date: 2 February 2024 (Friday)
Time: 9.00 a.m. – 12.20 p.m.
Venue: KITA Meeting Room, 4th Floor, Kolej Keris Mas Administration Building, UKM Bangi Campus
Live Streaming: Zoom & KITA Facebook page

8.30 a.m.: Registration

9.00 a.m.: Introduction by Moderator & welcoming remarks

9.10 a.m.: Powerful Stories: Indigenous and refugee histories of dispossession and displacement – Prof. Michael McDonnel & Dr. Niro Kandasamy

10.35 a.m.: Unsettling the free / forced binary in Asia-Pacific migrations – Dr. Matt Withers

11.20 a.m.: Ethnography in migration research – Dr. Niru Perera

12.15 p.m.: Closing

 Join via Zoom

Join via Facebook

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the presentation(s) are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of KITA.