This module aims to develop a critical understanding of one of the most timely and pressing issues of recent times, namely, migration, and its relationship to politics of identities, belonging and citizenship in global societies. It aims to introduce students to key themes and issues related to the social experience of migration in a diversity of contexts. Over the course of the term, we will debate and critically explore the ways in which migrants, refugees and diaspora communities shape their societies of settlement and origin and how they have become key actors of a process of 'globalisation from below' at different social and spatial scales. We will critically discuss key concepts and theories deployed to analyse contemporary processes of migration, transnationalism and diaspora and assess their relevance across a wide range of migration case studies. Examples of the central questions this module will address are: what are the main drivers of contemporary migration? To what extent can migrants become transnational citizens? What is the link between migration and homeland development in third world countries? How are gender, class and race relations affected by migration?
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BA Criminology and associated programmes
BA Sociology and associated programmes
BA Social Policy and associated programmes
BA Cultural Studies and Media and associated programmes
Available as a 'wild' module
Main assessment methods
Essay (2500 words) (50%)
Examination, 2 hour (50%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Brettell, C. and Hollifield, J. F. 2015. Migration Theory: Talking Across Discipline. London: Routledge
Castles, S. and Miller, M. J. 2013. The Age of Migration: International Population Movements in the Modern World, 3rd Edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Dickinson, E. 2016. Globalization and Migration. London: Rowman and Littlefield.
Faist, T. et al. 2013. Transnational Migration. London: Polity
Geddes, A. and Scholten, P. 2016. The Politics of Migration and Immigration in Europe. London: Sage.
Vertovec, S. 2010. Transnationalism. London: Routledge
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Develop a critical understanding of the process of migration, its diversity and consequences for sending and receiving societies
8.2 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the key theories and concepts deployed to analyse contemporary processes of
migration, transnationalism and diaspora
8.3 Relate processes of migration and transnationalism to wider sociological debates on the politics of social and cultural belonging
8.4 Demonstrate a clear appreciation of the extent to which migration raises complex questions of nationality and citizenship in global
societies
8.5 Contextualise specific constructions of individual and collective identities within a variety of migration situations.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Critically evaluate varied multidisciplinary theoretical and analytical approaches
9.2 Analyse and contextualise theoretical and empirical case studies
9.3 Draw on relevant materials and analytical tools to develop considered arguments and evaluations
9.4 Effectively articulate complex arguments in written form, including the ability to structure information in a coherent manner.
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