Migration and Transationalism

Code	School	Level	Credits	Semesters
SOCI4096	Sociology and Social Policy	4	20	Autumn UK

Code: SOCI4096
School: Sociology and Social Policy
Level: 4
Credits: 20
Semesters: Autumn UK

Summary

This course examines key issues and concepts connected to the movement and settlement of people in Europe and beyond. Informed by a transnational studies perspective, the course considers migration debates and practices in a critical, comparative and historically informed manner. The first part of the course explores the political, social and economic factors that cause people to move in an increasing interconnected world. The second part of the course is dedicated to the examination of the different theories of integration and settlement and processes of inclusion and exclusion. The key issues and concepts addressed will include those of transnationalism and diaspora; gender and intersectionality; transnational families and global care chains; multiculturalism, integration and assimilation; identity, home and belonging.

Special attention will be paid to:
•Theoretical and methodological issues (How have migration and transnationalism been explained and researched?)
•Concrete case studies to illustrate in a more concrete and vivid way the complexities, specificities and commonalties of different national experiences and public discourses.
•Films and documentaries will be used to illustrate some of the core concepts.

Target Students

Only available to PGT School of Sociology and Social Policy students and available to Postgraduate Erasmus/Exchange students.

Classes

One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

25% Coursework 1: Group presentation, 10 minutes, (25%).
75% Coursework 2: Coursework 3000 words (75%)

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

By the end of this module students will be equipped with an advanced and critical understanding of migration and transnationalism and related issues and concepts. This understanding will be the outcome of extensive reading, seminar discussions, lectures, and of an analysis of a specific and relevant case study (chosen by the students), which will constitute the module assessment

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Insight into and understanding of theoretical perspectives of transnationalism and migration

Critical insight into how migration and transnationalism have been researched and managed.

Insight into and understanding of historical and structural factors’ contribution to the causes and consequences of transnationalism and migration

Critical insight into practices around migration and transnationalism, and the importance of social actors’ lived experience and perspective for migration and transnational studies.

Intellectual skills

Advanced ability to use theory and data to construct critical arguments

Advanced ability to present such arguments in oral and written form

Advanced ability to use and assess evidence to address questions and construct critical arguments based on reasoned analysis

Professional/practical skills

Advanced ability to critically engage with complex concepts and theories

Effective discussion and communication skills

Transferable skills

Advanced ability to carry out independent research, using time-planning and management

Advanced ability to retrieve and evaluate a wide range of sources of information