What the Great Books Teach Us About People Fleeing from Persecution

This event will be in-person and available to join virtually. If you are Duke-affiliated please swipe into the Rubenstein Arts Center. The event will be in Room 131.
In this novel approach to law and literature, Robert Barsky delves into the canon of so-called Great Books, and discovers that many beloved characters therein encounter obstacles similar to those faced by contemporary refugees and undocumented persons. The struggles of Odysseus, Moses, Aeneas, Dante, Satan, Dracula and Alice in Wonderland, among many others, provide surprising insights into current discussions about those who have left untenable situations in their home countries in search of legal protection. Law students, lawyers, social scientists, literary scholars and general readers who are interested in learning about international refugee law and immigration regulations in home and host countries will find herein a plethora of details about border crossings, including those undertaken to flee pandemics, civil unrest, racism, intolerance, war, forced marriage, or limited opportunities in their home countries.

Robert Barsky works at the intersection of humanities and law, with a focus on border crossings. He is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (Law, Narrative and Border Crossing 19-20). Barsky is a Professor of Humanities and a jointly appointed Faculty Member in the Law School at Vanderbilt University.