My project will focus on a long, arduous path followed by Syrian refugees through the Balkans and into Europe. I want to focus on a particular family or individual story that will humanize the plight of the migrant, while using other sources and statistics to better contextualize their passage in relation to the general situation. My map will begin in Syria and end somewhere in Europe, possibly Germany. Intermediary points may including Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, and other locations along the way. I am looking for a story which will provide personal experiences within or around these points.

In examining these experiences, many issues pertinent to the class will be discussed, especially the social, political and economic forces that effect the migrants, such as the motivations for leaving their homeland, the difficulties of basic survival and travel, the unwelcoming populations, police and border security they are likely to meet, and the struggle to find work and a decent living. I may also explore the cultural perceptions of such migrants in relevant media outlets.

By mapping this incredibly long journey, I hope to illuminate – for myself and for my class – one harrowing story among the millions out there right now, in doing so advancing our understanding of the true nature of the devastating crisis that so many people are sadly forced to contend with today. Though it may be no easy task, attempting to reconcile the real human cost with the grandiose scale of such displacement is very important for humanity's sake, especially at a time when so many take to propagating great fear and fallacy.