Migration and the Humanities: Critical Challenges

Migration and the Humanities: Critical Challenges  16-17 June 2017 

Moore Institute NUIG/ Irish Humanities Alliance

Migration – and its social, cultural, political, and economic consequences – represents one of the most significant issues facing Europe today. This conference will draw together scholars from humanities disciplines such as art history; geography; history; literature; modern languages; politics; and cultural studies to offer cross-over perspectives on migration. Participants will explore the centrality of the humanities in widening our understanding of the phenomenon of migration and its challenges, engaging with the work of social scientists and activists.

The overarching aim of the conference is to focus on the human experience of migration, humanitarian concerns and migration narratives centred on the human condition. Speakers will offer insights into historical parallels with the current crisis; systems for managing displaced peoples; the social, economic & cultural contribution of migrants; the gender implications of migration; labour and migrancy; Ireland & migration; processes of ‘othering’ and ghettoisation; discourses of race and ethnic difference; and the challenge of language acquisition for migrants.

For further details contact Prof. Daniel Carey, NUI Galway (daniel.carey@nuigalway.ie), and Dr. Mel Farrell, Irish Humanities Alliance (m.farrell@ria.ie), and visit www.irishhumanities.com

Friday, June 16th

3.00 Welcome (coffee and tea available)

Session 1

3.30 Ireland (I) [Experience of migrants in Ireland]

Mary Gilmartin (Maynooth)

T.J. Hughes (NUI Galway)

Valerie Ledwith (NUI Galway)

Piaras Mac Éinrí (UCC)

Anne O’Connor and Andrea Ciribuco (NUI Galway)

5.30 Reception

Conference dinner

Pearla na Mara

Saturday, June 17th

Session 2

9.30 Ireland (II) [Experience of Irish migrants]

Margaret Brehony (NUI Galway)

Sara Goek (Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy)

Brian Hughes (Maynooth)

Niamh Kirk (DCU)

11.00 coffee break

Session 3

11.30 Migration and the Arts

Patrick Crowley (UCC)

Aileen Dillane (Limerick)

Debbie Lisle (QUB)

Charlotte McIvor (NUI Galway)

Vukasin Nedeljkovic (DIT)

Tina O’Toole (Limerick)

1pm lunch

Session 4

2pm Gender/Politics/Race

Ronit Lentin (TCD)

John Morrissey (NUI Galway)

Anne Mulhall (UCD)

Kevin O’Sullivan (NUI Galway)

Jennifer Redmond (Maynooth)

3.30 coffee break

Session 5

4.00 Conclusion

Allen White (UCC)

and open discussion