Migration, Borders and Citizenship (EMM222)
The course will analyse borders - as signifying states, nations and localities, defining territory in a geographic as well as a legal sense or as socio-cultural space. Borders as division lines between "outside" and "inside" define and construct migration movements. The transgression of these lines questions concepts of citizenship. Major discourses in political theory as well as cultural studies will be addressed.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
EMM222
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
6
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
In order to grasp the contemporary situation in the field of international migrations it seems necessary to address the history of migration research and development of different theories until recent times. Also new concepts and approaches help us to understand new realities in migration research. Let us mention a few basic terms and concepts that the module will be focused on: migration (emigration, immigration, remigration or return migration), migration theories, migration policy, forced migration, diaspora, transnationalism, cosmopolitanism, migrant entrepreneurship, integration.
Important part of the module will be focused on Borders and Citizenship. Borders are temporal sites of negotiation, which constantly change and are shaped by history, politics and power as well as by cultural and social issues. Borders are also not natural but social constructs with spatial dimension. They create divisions between the ‘outside’ and the ‘inside’ and its crossing can deeply affect the lives of people. Students will familiarize them-self with the terms such as migration management, border regime, externalization, Humanitarian border, Border spectacle, transit migration, migrant struggles, autonomy of migration,
We are also interested in Citizenship. Citizenship is not only a device for sorting out desirable and undesirable migrants. It also establishes a second gate that migrants have to pass in order to become full members of the polity. We will especially focus on the "Acts of citizenship" by groups of labor migrants with precarious statuses and asylum seekers which are emerging as key protagonists in global struggles concerning freedom of movement, social recognition, worker protection and the right to asylum. (Nyers 2010).
Lectures, workshops and individual work will be organized to provide an in-depth insight into the above themes. On successful completion of the module the student will be expected to be able to critically evaluate migration theories, concepts and approaches, to understand the complex mechanisms of bordering in contemporary world and follow the struggle of migrants which challenge the nation state. They will be able to confidently take part in discussion on current issues regarding migration management and inclusion of migrants, do research and present the results during workshops.
Learning outcome
Students will have acquired
- in-depth knowledge about theories on migration (a) and intercultural relations/multiculturalism (b) and the ability to contextualize them in related fields (LO 2 a, b),
- other module specific knowledge and competencies (LO 5)
- Knowledge of and sensitivity for power relations as reflected in culturalism, racism or nationalism,
- a fostered understanding of the transnationalising processes which transform the boundaries of the nation-states and influence the forms and volume of migration flows,
- solid knowledge on concepts of multiculturalism, and develop a critical theoretical apparatus while dealing with various critiques and defences of it
- knowledge of crucial and urgent problems of the contemporary world - growing cultural complexity and new expectations of social justice in relation to this phenomenon,
- an understanding of identity formation
The class will in addition cover EMMIR learning outcomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14 together with the other modules.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final paper | 1/1 | Letter grades |
Students are required to attend and actively participate at all scheduled classes and workshops. Class attendance of 75% is a prerequisite to pass the module. Students are required to inform the lecturers about their absence prior to the start of each class.Final paper draft (500 words) can be send until 13. of March 2023. Draft should include the research question(s), basic structure and tentative bibliography (minimum 5 references).Final paper (4000 words) is the final exam and should address the themes discussed during the module. Students are encouraged to choose the topic for their final paper according to their final thesis research interest, but make sure that the paper demonstrates understanding of the obligatory readings.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Jure GombačStudy Adviser:
Kjetil EndresenMethod of work
Workload: 180 hours
Contact hours: 38 hours
Reading: 45 hours
Assignments 97 hours