Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide knowledge about the analytical and methodological elements related to migration processes, seeking to understand the causes that generate migratory flows, the interactions between migrants and host societies, and finally, the effects and consequences—economic, political, social, and cultural—of this encounter. All aspects will be elaborated in relation to broader social phenomena, such as globalization and transnationalism, labor market developments, and political participation, taking into account two main dimensions:

The logic of states (policies)
The strategies and perspectives of migrants (identity and belonging)

Course materials
Attending students: 1. Ambrosini M., Sociologia delle migrazioni, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2020. Chapter I, II, III. Non-attending students: Entire book. 2. de Haas, H., Migrazioni, La verità oltre alle ideologie. Dati alla mano, Einaudi, 2024. Chapter I (la migrazione è a livelli record), Chapter V (lo sviluppo nei paesi poveri ridurrà la migrazione), Chapter VI (l’emigrazione è una fuga disperata dalla miseria), Chapter VII (non abbiamo bisogno di lavoratori migranti), Chapter XVI (le frontiere si stanno chiedendo), Chapter XXI (le restrizioni alle frontiere riducono l’immigrazione). Non-attending students: in addition to the chapters indicated for attending students, please add: Chapter X and XII.

The educational objective of the course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of contemporary migration processes, developing analytical and critical skills primarily in three macro areas:

Processes: definitions, causes, and key concepts
Policies: admission (between acceptance and rejection), border control, inclusion (in its various dimensions), and citizenship
Actors: families, second (and subsequent) generations, women, unaccompanied foreign minors, etc.

There are no specific prerequisites.

Students will actively participate in this course, developing their critical thinking on the subject. Attendance is encouraged.
The course will be structured as follows:
Class Activities
• Theoretical and empirical framework provided by the instructor in class
• Debates and other forms of student participation through specific topics and readings
• Seminars featuring guest experts on topics related to the course
• Exercises and group work
• Final exam.

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 exam will be written and will consist of the following:
Non-attending students
10 open-ended questions.
Score: from 0 to 3 points for each answer.

Attending students
8 open-ended questions.
Score: from 0 to 3.75 points for each answer.

For attending students, additional exam options (group projects) are available. For further information, please refer to the course DIR page.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the migration process, emphasizing its multifaceted nature. It begins by defining key concepts and terminology associated with migration. The course explores the causes of migration, including the economic, political, social, and environmental factors that drive individuals and groups to move. Students will consider theoretical frameworks that explain migration patterns, such as push-pull theory, network theory, and transnationalism. We will analyze the interaction between migrants and host societies, examining integration processes, identity formation, and the socio-cultural impact of migration. The course will also take into account the various actors involved: families, second (and subsequent) generations, women, and members of the third sector. The final part of the course is dedicated to the role of state and non-state policies in shaping the migratory experience, addressing issues such as border control, asylum procedures, and citizenship rights.

Students should acquire the ability to:

Describe and analyze the main theories and fundamental concepts related to migration processes.
Identify and discuss the economic, political, social, and environmental causes that influence migratory flows.
Evaluate the dynamics of interaction between migrants and host societies, analyzing the economic, political, social, and cultural effects of migration on the involved contexts.
Apply a critical approach in the analysis of migration policies, addressing themes such as admission, integration, and citizenship.
Present their analyses and arguments related to migration processes clearly and convincingly.
Consider the experiences of migrants through an empathetic lens, understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with migration.