300634 African Diaspora Organisations in Germany (30-M25) (S) (SoSe 2026)

Course Description
The course seeks to explore the nature of groups and organizations immigrants form in their destination areas with a focus on Africans in Germany. It does this within the conceptual field of diaspora. It aims at broadening students' understanding of these groups in terms of functions/roles in for their members, especially where they operate, as well as in their home societies. It also discusses their structure/forms and types of groups that are in operation. The course also seeks to consider linkages between these groups and themes like multiculturalism, diversity, etc. in the fabric of local communities. Diaspora organizations is used synonymously with immigrant organization.

Students are expected to complete a small project (individually or in groups of up to three). Your task is to identify and contact a local immigrant or diaspora organization (not necessarily related to Africa) and as much as possible, gain first‑hand insight into:
• what the organization does
• the activities or services they focus on, and where applicable, participate in any of them
• how their everyday work affects both the host society and the immigrant communities they support.
• explore the organization’s role in the different aspects of the integration process.

Bibliography

Tittel-Mosser, Fanny. 2024. What is a Diaspora Organisation? A Starting Guide. EUDiF, Brussels: ICMPD. (https://diasporafordevelopment.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DO-Intro-Guide_EN-v.7.pdf)

Pries, Ludger (2013). Migrant Organizations: Size, Structures, and Significance (https://www.bpb.de/themen/migration-integration/kurzdossiers/158906/migrant-organizations-size-structures-and-significance/)