Human trafficking is modern-day slave trading. In fact, the slave trade today is more global and greater in sheer numbers than the African slave trade during the 1700's and 1800's. Traffickers use violence, coercion and deception to take people away from their homes and families. Whether trafficked within or between countries people are used as domestics, in prostitution, manual laborers, factory workers, soldiers and sex slaves.

This course will provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of global human trafficking. In addition to an overview of the global issues we will examine causes, costs, political and other means of reducing the problem, and ways to personally impact this world-wide disgrace and disregard for human dignity.

Topics: 

• Size and scope of the problem
• How traffickers make money from modern-day slavery
• Criminal networks and corrupt guardians
• Sex trafficking and organized crime
• The economics of trafficking: The Perfect Crime
• Militarized rape and enslaved prostitution
• What must be done?

BACKGROUND: Human trafficking is modern-day slave trading. In fact, the slave trade today is more global and greater in sheer numbers than the African slave trade during the 1700's and 1800's. Traffickers use violence, coercion and deception to take people away from their homes and families. Whether trafficked within or between countries people are used as domestics, in prostitution, manual laborers, factory workers, soldiers and sex slaves.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of global human trafficking. In addition to an overview of global issues we will examine causes, costs, political and other means of reducing the problem, and ways to personally impact this world-wide disgrace and disregard for human dignity.

GOALS: At the end of this course each student will be able to:

• Discuss the causes of human trafficking
• Identify ways in which to combat global trafficking
• Understand the major political and societal factors that make trafficking a serious problem today.
• Examine ways in which they can personally address human trafficking today.

CONTENT: The course will specifically cover:

• Size and scope of the problem.
• How traffickers make money from modern day slaving.
• Criminal networks and corrupt guardians.
• Sex trafficking and organized crime.
• The economics of trafficking: The perfect crime.
• Militarized rape and enslavement prostitution.
• What must be done?

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
The class will consist of short didactic presentations of factual material with students encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, ideas and experiences regarding the topics. Both large and small group discussions brainstorming ideas for "fixing" the problems discussed in class.

RECOMMENDED READINGS:
2007 us State Department Report on Human Trafficking. This can be found at: www.State.gov and clicking on the TIP (Trafficking in Persons Report)

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Attendance at all sessions
• Active participation
• Brief in-class project

Final take-home project*

* The final project will consist of each student answering thoroughly, but briefly, five questions which address the topics discussed during the class.

The final is due in the SAPP office by 4:00 PM July 22, 2009, located at 180 Esslinger. NO EXCEPTIONS

Mandatory attendance for all classes. Active participation. Brief class project

Use of Personal Technology & Literature:

• Laptops may ONLY be used in class for the purpose of note taking. Web surfing, games, instant messaging, email, and working on homework for other classes tends to be distracting to others and is prohibited during class time. If you find you must do otherwise, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn participation points for that day.
• Non-course materials - Magazines, books, newspapers and other literature, including homework from other classes, may be a distraction for others in class and is therefore prohibited. Please save these activities for time other than in class.
• Music/Video player use during class is strictly prohibited. This is a definite distraction for others.
• Cell phones are to be silenced and not used during class time. This includes sending or receiving calls or use of text messaging. If you find you need to use your cell phone, please excuse yourself for the remainder of the class time. However, you will not earn participation points for that day.