Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide analytical and methodological elements to navigate the complex scenario of migration phenomena, with particular reference to intercultural relations and the processes of social inclusion of migrants in host societies. Specific attention will also be paid to the different types of migrants and groups with a migration background (economic migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, generations resulting from immigration, foreign minors), as well as an in-depth examination of the different areas of inclusion.

Frequent participants should prepare themselves on the following texts:
1. Ambrosini M., Sociologia delle migrazioni, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2020. First three parts of the handbook (pp. 9-275).
2. Ciabarri L., L’imbroglio mediterraneo. Le migrazioni via mare e le politiche della frontiera, Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2020 – or later edition. We recommend reading the entire text for a better comprehension. Examination questions will, however, focus on the following parts: Introduction (pp. 9-19), Chapter 1 (pp. 21-43), Chapter 2 (pp. 45-92), Chapter 4 (pp. 125-180), Conclusion (pp. 215-220).
Texts for non-participating students:
1. Ambrosini M., Sociologia delle migrazioni, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2020. Entire text
2. Ciabarri L., L’imbroglio mediterraneo. Le migrazioni via mare e le politiche della frontiera, Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2020 – o edizione successiva. Entire text.
Additional in-depth materials are also made available on the DIR platform.

The course aims to provide the fundamental theoretical knowledge to 'read' contemporary migration phenomena and understand their processual character, in order to navigate the complex landscape of current migration. More specifically, the course aims to
- provide appropriate "lenses" to analyse migratory phenomena, insisting in particular on the critical use of categories such as culture and ethnicity, and reflecting on the theoretical and practical limits of widespread "culturalism";
- provide elements to navigate the research and evaluation of sources and databases related to migration phenomena;
- provide theoretical and practical elements (e.g. presentation of case studies) useful for constructing appropriate modes of professional intervention aimed at immigrant and foreign-born groups.

There are no specific prerequisites.

The course makes use of different teaching methods:
- Lectures: these will be devoted to providing the fundamental theoretical knowledge and analytical tools necessary to approach the different topics discussed.
- Critical commentary on newspaper articles dealing with topics related to migration phenomena. Such activity will take place in class on a weekly basis.
- Seminar in which guest experts on the course topics will be invited
- Exercises and group work that will contribute to the examination result.
Course attendance is recommended.

The DIR page is a key communication and information tool. Lecture presentations and slides, newspaper articles, in-depth materials will be uploaded and made available there. Therefore, it will be necessary to register and consult it regularly.
It will be possible to organise moments of clarification and/or in-depth study of topics according to the needs and interests of the students.
For non-attending students: the lecturer is available to provide further information on the examination programme and texts.
For all: the lecturer receives by appointment to be requested by email or in class.

The examination will be written and will be composed as follows:

Non-attenders
6 open-ended questions.
Marking: 0 to 5 points for each answer.

Frequent participants
5 open-ended questions and a commentary on a newspaper article.
Marking: 0 to 5 points for each answer.

Alternative examination options (group work and midterm examination) are available for those attending, please refer to the DIR page for further information.

Migration phenomena, especially in recent years, have been a particularly prominent topic in the media and on the political agenda of governments and local actors. Often the aspects related to them are not dealt with objectively, and indeed dominant discourses are highlighted that may prevent a correct analysis of the phenomenon. It is therefore necessary to acquire the ability to critically analyse these phenomena, as well as to make use of complex interpretative categories, conceptual, analytical and operational tools useful for moving consciously within the complex panorama of migration.
The course aims to provide these elements by covering topics such as:
- key concepts in the study of migration phenomena (e.g. integration/inclusion, culture, ethnicity, prejudice and discrimination);
- overview of the main contemporary migration waves (characteristics, causes, stages);
- regulatory policies, integration models, ways of acquiring citizenship;
- female migration;
- transnationalism (developments, practices, effects on families, ...)
- immigrant population and the labour market;
- processes of social inclusion;
- presentation and discussion of specific cases (e.g. asylum seekers and refugees);
- media and data: critical analysis of media sources and narrative.

Students should acquire
- Capacity to critically analyse the main aspects of migration, international and national, and the relationship between populations of foreign origin and native populations.
- Knowledge and skills to approach the topic of inclusion processes and to understand their challenges and social consequences.
- Ability to critically interpret information on migration proposed by the media and present in the public debate.
- Ability to research and analyse sources on the course topics.