Ateneo - UPO

The course explores the social phenomena associated with migration by examining the main theoretical approaches in the field and applying them to the analysis of contemporary societies

Ambrosini, M. (2020), M. Sociologia delle migrazioni, Bologna, Il Mulino (capp. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9).In addition to the chapters from the previous textbook, students must study either the following volume:De Haas, H. (2024), Migrazioni. La verità oltre alle ideologie. Dati alla mano, Einaudi (capp. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9)or all the following articles (available in Open Access or on JSTOR):Alba, R., and V. Nee (1997). “Rethinking Assimilation Theory for a New Era of Immigration”, The International Migration Review, 31(4), pp. 826–74.  https://doi.org/10.2307/2547416. Accessed 11 July 2026. Alba, R. (2005). “Bright vs. blurred boundaries: Second-generation assimilation and exclusion in France, Germany, and the United States”, Ethnic and Racial Studies, 28(1), pp. 20–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141987042000280003Portes, A., and M. Zhou (1993). The New Second Generation: Segmented Assimilation and its Variants, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 530(1), pp. 74-96, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0002716293530001006

The basic learning objectives are:1. (knowledge and understanding): to acquire a basic knowledge of the main concepts and theories of sociology of migration;2. (applying knowledge and understanding): The ability to apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of real-world migration-related dynamics in contemporary societies.The advanced learning objectives are: 1. (knowledge and understanding): an in-depth knowledge of the main concepts and theories of sociology of migration; 2. (communication skills): the ability to present the knowledge acquired in a clear manner, showing full command of terminology and vocabulary; 3. (making judgements): the ability to critically discuss the theories and case studies taken into consideration during the course; 4. (learning skills): the ability to navigate the topics covered in the course independently and to establish connections between them.

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The course combines lectures and interactive discussions of case studies.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) or Special Educational Needs (BES) may request specific services and tools dedicated to them by contacting the Career Development and Coordination Staff and Student Services and consulting the dedicated page of the University website: https://uniupo.en/en/servizi/servizi-studentisidisabili- e-dsa Students with disabilities, DSA, BES, once they have made contact with the University Staff, may contact the teacher in charge of the course in relation to the declination of the examination methods, with regard to teaching aspects.

The examination will be oral and will focus on the course materials. The grade is expressed in thirtieths and the evaluation is based on the following parameters: 1) knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered: 18 points out of 30 (sufficiency); 2) ability to clearly and effectively present the knowledge acquired: 6 points out of 30; 3) ability to establish links between the topics covered and to explore them critically and with independent judgement: 6 points out of 30.

The course will cover the following: 1. Past and present migration patterns; 2. The main theories of migration; 3. The main theories of migrant integration; 4. Migration and integration policies in Europe; 5. The role of social networks in migration and integration processes; 6. The role of the labour market in migration and integration processes; 7. The role of cultural diversity in integration processes.

The expected basic learning outcomes are: 1. acquiring the fundamental tools for analysing migration processes (knowledge and understanding); 2. being able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real migration-related processes in contemporary societies (ability to apply knowledge and understanding).
The advanced expected learning outcomes are:
1. (knowledge and understanding): demonstrate knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to migration; 2. (communication skills): present the knowledge acquired in a clear and accurate manner, demonstrating full command of the terminology and vocabulary of the discipline; 3 (making judgements): critically compare the different theoretical perspectives examined during the course and develop an independent understanding of contemporary migration processes; 4. (learning skills): develop strong analytical skills in reading and interpreting academic texts, including the ability to identify connections between the different topics.