More student voices from 宅男导航 are joining the international debate on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, with the expansion of a student working group.
The , an initiative of the for students of law, has this year opened the doors to students of political science and international relations, as part of a pilot learning project.
Each semester, between 12 and 18 students join the group and conduct an independent research project on topics relating to trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling under the guidance of the course coordinators. Research topics include a range of issues, from child trafficking, witness protection, prosecution of migrant smugglers, and organ trafficking, and students are encouraged to publish their work where possible to contribute to ongoing debate.
The research program is jointly coordinated by Professor Andreas Schloenhardt from the School of Law and Dr Melissa Curley from the .
Dr Curley says the collaboration of the schools means that more students can gain a taste of independent study. 鈥淭he course gives the students research experience and exposure to different research methodologies and disciplinary perspectives,鈥� said Dr Curley.
鈥淪tudents are graduating into a world where there is lots of information available, they need to be able synthesise that, be cautious and use judgment.鈥�
The course is also intended to give students a sense of empowerment to use research and discussion as a creative learning space.
Working group student Sian Littledale said the work had given her writing skills and her confidence in her ability.
鈥淲e have all been working on projects contributing to a body of work and so it has been very collaborative. You are trying to do your best work for everyone not just yourself.
Sian is a fourth year law and arts student, majoring in international relations and French. She is researching the obstacles that prevent countries from ratifying the United Nations Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants. She has been working together with Jessica Swanson, a third year arts student.
Jess, who is studying towards an extended major in political science has also seen the benefits.
鈥淚 was taking on something outside my field so to do well has increased my confidence. My communication skills have also improved after working so closely with another person.鈥�
Bethany Holt has been researching the work done by AusAid with regard to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
She will graduate this year with a BA in International Relations and Economics before starting a medical degree.
鈥淚t has been good to have this opportunity in my third year. I was ready for a new challenge and it鈥檚 good to mix it up a bit with the way we learn,鈥� said Bethany.
For more information on the 宅男导航 Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Working Groups, visit http://www.law.uq.edu.au/humantrafficking and http://www.law.uq.edu.au/migrantsmuggling
Media: Melissa Curley, School of Political Science and International Studies (07 334 69054 or m.curley@uq.edu.au) of Professor Andreas Schloenhardt, ( 07 3365 6191 or a.schloenhardt@uq.edu.au)
