“This course explores the phenomenon of human trafficking in historical, political and social context. The course begins with the query: What is human trafficking? While a seemingly straightforward question, it is one that remains hotly contested, despite the existence of legal definitions. Students examine the issue through the lens of international, U.S., and state and local legal frameworks as well as looking at the ways in which society and culture influence diverse understandings of the topic. Students also explore the complicated histories under-pinning current perceptions and how they influence contemporary responses to the problem. Drawing on a variety of sources – academic articles, media accounts, survivor narratives, policy documents, NGO reports, and film – the course explores the issue from multiple and intersecting perspectives in order to more fully grasp its complexity. The course also examines the types of advocacy that are being done around human trafficking and how survivors are impacted by anti-trafficking policies and responses.” – UNE course catalog