In conducting your research, i expect you to examine and equally* address in writing the following aspects:
1. What is the current context of the refugee situation? In answering this, I want you to consider the factors that have caused the situation such as civil conflict, international conflict and/or environmental factors.
2. How did the situation come to this point? In answering this, I want you to consider the historical, political, economic and social factors that have influenced the situation and integrate this knowledge in your discussion.
3. What is the response (or lack of) from the respective State government to the refugee situation? What is the response from the international community? What is the response from the UNHCR? What is the response from other non-profit organizations?
4. Are there any viable alternative solutions that would bring an end to this situation? In answering this, I want you to consider options of repatriation, resettlement, reconciliation, ceasefire agreements and peace treaties.
Your term paper should include the following components:
Title: descriptive, informative.
Introduction: well-developed thesis statement, provides broad introduction and clearly identifies scope of problem and research approach.
Body: follows the development of the thesis statement, provides sufficient evidence, case study examples, situates case in broader theoretical context, considers alternative evidence to argument, contains broad depth of critical analysis.
Conclusion: provides adequate summary, closing remarks, further suggestions for research, restatement of thesis.
References and Research: A minimum of five adequate peer-reviewed research sources, relevant and varied academic sources, recent sources.
One of the most common errors in research and writing a case study is to over-emphasize the context of the situation (i.e. the facts and figures) without adequate attention to the critical response of the case study presented.
Often writers will neglect to provide enough space for an appropriate critical response, alternative solutions, current actions being taken and whether or not those actions are working. This is usually simply because they have taken too much space in writing about the context itself, and leave too little space for analysis.
It’s a much harder task to write a quality, condensed paper of 10 pages as it is far easier to write more, than less. Contrary to what you may think, a longer paper often has a lesser quality of writing, as it tends to be less concise and more long winded, including too many irrelevant details.
Think of a well written case study as being divided into four equal parts. With approximately 10 pages (3000 words minimum), each part equals approximately 2.5 pages.
Example
2.5 pages for your introduction and current context
2.5 pages for how the situation came to be (historical, social, political and economic factors)
2.5 pages for the response to the situation (from the State, international community, UNHCR, non-profit sector)
2.5 pages for viable alternative solutions (consider repatriation, resettlement, reconciliation, peace treaties, ceasefire agreements, etc.) and concluding statements
TOPIC OF THE TERM PAPER: In my final paper, I will be examining Burundi refugees seeking asylum in Tanzania.
KEY INFORMATION FOR THE SOURCES: Keep in mind that some of the refugee situations will be more difficult than others to find research sources, but don’t let that dissuade you from trying. I encourage you to follow the example of research that I have set forth in Module Two where we examine Burmese refugees in Thailand. To document their case, I looked at UNHCR data, government sources as well as non-government agencies and citizen action groups. These multiple sources created a more balanced view of the situation.
