The purpose of this subject is to describe and interpret the active presence of groups that were alien to and/or segregated from the social structure across a range of political and cultural settings and periods. Emphasis is placed on: 1) an examination of the cohesive methods created by the groups, most of which were spread out although well connected via exclusive networks; and, 2) a study of their relations with the societies in which they operated. During the first part of the course students will analyse the classic diasporas in the pre-modern Eurasian region, and during the second the focus will shift to the contemporary world.