CPT-51802 Sociology of Migration and Multi-Ethnic Societies

Course

Credits 2.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Knowledge equivalent to any level 1 social science course.

Contents:

Relocation of human beings, temporary or permanent is a phenomenon of all times and all parts of the world. People move voluntarily for trade, tourism and better living conditions, the latter often being forced upon them by threats, like persecution, economic deterioration, natural disasters or armed conflict. This course approaches migration from the perspective of sociological theories on social differentiation, integration, capitalism, culture, division of labour and the regulation of populations. The course provides insight in the causes, motives and consequences of human relocation. Through a variety of examples and cases, in different parts of the world and different periods of time, practical causes and implications of migration are presented and discussed. Where much of these practical issues play out at a local level, migration is connected to national or international questions about inequalities in welfare and resources, geo-politics, cultural and religious identities. The course also pays attention to the role of resources, knowledge and technology. Access to food, other goods and resources, communication and exchange of knowledge and skills, tools and machines are affecting and affected by human relocation. The course provides insights in the way migration is connected to settlement, as point of departure or destination. Where migration turns into settlement, multi-ethnic communities arise, recombination is made and hybridization emerges.

Learning outcomes:

After this course you should be able to:
- understand and explain the variety of mechanisms of migration and settlement;
- understand general sociological theories to issues of migration;
- understand how the dynamics of migration and settlement reshape societies and cultural identities.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures.

Examination:

Written exam. The minimum mark is 5.5.

Literature:

Literature available through MyPortal.