William Safran in his 1991 article sets out a framework for analyzing and assessing what constitutes a diaspora: Geography Assignment, UOC, UK

William Safran in his 1991 article sets out a framework for analyzing and assessing what constitutes a diaspora. In this review of the article, you should outline the main features of his arguments and critically assess their merits and weaknesses. You should utilize as a minimum at least three other authors and their conceptions of the diaspora to assist in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of Safran’s arguments.

Criteria

• Addressing the Question – very important
•  Coherence and Organisation- important
•  Content depth and knowledge- important
•  Evidence of reading – very important
•  Analysis and Critical reasoning- Very very important
•  Clarity of Expression – important
•  Referencing – Important

Structure Continued

•  Having outlined and critiqued(meaning evaluate not just criticize) Safran’s work you now develop your conclusion. What are your final thoughts on his article?
• Don’t introduce new ideas into the conclusion just give your final thoughts.
• You should have outlined the main elements both positive and negative of Safran’s work in the main body of your assignment

WHAT IS A DIASPORA?

•  It will be up to you to decide. Whether to view Diaspora as a definitive group or community, residing outside their original homeland but with links to that homeland real or imagined(Jewish, Armenian, Palestinian, African)
• Diaspora as a fluid conception of unfolding identity, experiential (hybrid, migrant, cosmopolitan) reflecting the dispersal
• Diaspora as an ethnic minority, transnational migration, and development
  (Chinese, Indians, Polish)
• We are interested in the processes, politics, and experiences that shape these conceptions. Using Africa and its Diaspora as principle examples but drawing on other diasporic formations as well.