We are delighted to invite you to the launch of Teresa Piacentini's recently published book Developing a Critical Pedagogy of Migration Studies - Ethics, Politics and Practice in the Classroom (Bristol University Press).

Nicola Burns will be chairing the discussion which will include an overview from Teresa, and reflections from Colin Clarke (UWS) and Pinar Asku (Maryhill Integration Network). 

This event is co-organised with GRAMNet. 

Bristol University Press | Developing a Critical Pedagogy of Migration Studies - Ethics, Politics and Practice in the Classroom, By Teresa Piacentini

Book overview

We are living in challenging times, with migration at the centre of political debate, border violence, and divisive rhetoric. These issues are deeply rooted in colonial histories and understanding the connections between past and present is essential to disrupting dominant paradigms and fostering transformative change. Teaching and learning about migration is not only intellectually demanding but also inherently political. It requires us to confront the ethical and emotional dimensions of how we teach and the decisions we make in the classroom. 

This book explores these complexities with two main objectives. First, it engages with critical pedagogy — drawing on Freire, Giroux, hooks, and others — to ask what these times mean for our classrooms. It considers how critical pedagogy is relevant across the disciplines where migration is studied, emphasising the ethical and political stakes of teaching. Offering new conceptual frameworks, it explores the discomforts that arise when we interrupt dominant ways of knowing, seeing, and relating; when we challenge the uncritical re/production of knowledge; and when we teach reflexively and with intention. Second, the book provides practical, action-oriented guidance through case studies, reflective tasks, teachable moments, and problem-posing activities. By bringing together new conceptual tools and classroom resources, it supports transformative teaching and invites us to consider how we might teach migration otherwise.

For additinal information, and to register your attendance, contact Nicola.Burns@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 27 May 2025

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