Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the main sociological theories and analytical frameworks for the study of international migration. It explores the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of immigration, focusing on destination countries and on processes of integration, inclusion, exclusion, and social change.

Balduzzi G. (2015), Le conseguenze socio-economiche dell’immigrazione: approcci ed evidenze per un fenomeno controverso, in Fondazione ISMU (a cura di), XXI Rapporto ISMU sulle migrazioni, Milano, Franco Angeli, pp. 177-187.
Balduzzi G. (2016), Gli immigrati nei sistemi locali del lavoro italiani: caratteristiche e prospettive di un modello di insediamento, Paper ISMU, Luglio 2016, disponibile online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305724689_Gli_immigrati_nei_sistemi_locali_del_lavoro_italiani_caratteristiche_e_prospettive_di_un_modello_di_insedia
Allievi S. (2026), Premessa. Homo mobilis diventa homo pluralis, in Allievi S., Diversità e convivenza. Le conseguenze culturali delle migrazioni, Roma-Bari, Laterza, pp. VII-XII.
Allievi S. (2026), La mobilità umana. Nomadismo e migrazioni da Neanderthal agli expat, in Allievi S., Diversità e convivenza. Le conseguenze culturali delle migrazioni, Bari-Roma, Laterza, pp. 3-32.
Allievi S. (2018), 5 cose che tutti dovremmo sapere sull'immigrazione (e una da fare), Bari-Roma, Laterza.
Istat (2026), Capitolo 2. Popolazione e Società, in Rapporto annuale. La situazione del Paese, Roma, Istituto Nazionale di Statistica, pp. 59-113.

This course introduces students to the sociological analysis of contemporary migration, with a particular focus on Italy as a case study. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to: - demonstrate knowledge and understanding of several of the main concepts and research strands within the sociology of migration; - apply the studied concepts and research to a critical analysis of contemporary migration issues, with a specific focus on the Italian case; - critically analyze and interpret the key features of contemporary migration and migration policies, with particular reference to Italy; - communicate clearly and effectively about migration-related conflicts, drawing on sociological concepts and analytical tools in an informed and critical way; - apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course to a range of professional contexts in the public and private sectors (e.g., social project planning, the management of educational and health and social care services, and human resource management), where an informed understanding of migration-related issues is essential.

The course has no formal prerequisites. However, in line with the degree programme, students are strongly advised to possess a basic knowledge of sociology, including core concepts, key scholars, and major theoretical perspectives. This background is essential for approaching the study of the Sociology of Migration in an informed and meaningful way.

This seminar-style course blends lectures with highly interactive activities. Rather than just listening, students will take an active role by presenting academic articles, participating in group discussions, and engaging in practical workshops using real datasets and empirical case studies.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support by contacting the Office for Career Development and Student Services and by consulting the relevant section on the University website:
https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa
After contacting the University Office, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN may also get in touch with the course instructor regarding examination arrangements and any teaching-related accommodations.

The final assessment consists of a 60-minute written examination designed to evaluate students' understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. The examination comprises three open-ended questions and five multiple-choice questions. Students who attend the course will have the opportunity to complete an assignment consisting of the preparation of a short article for a general audience on one of the topics covered during the course. The article should be concise (up to 6,000 characters, including spaces) and written in a clear, engaging style that is accessible to non-specialist readers, while remaining well documented and supported by reliable evidence and appropriate sources. The aim of the article is not simply to describe data, events, or social phenomena, but also to interpret and contextualise them by drawing on the key theories and concepts of the sociology of migration. The assignment culminates in an oral presentation, which will be assessed and will replace the three open-ended questions in the written examination.

Human mobility and social change. Causes and consequences of migration. Push and pull factors. Microsociological explanations: from individual choices to family strategies. The intermediate level: social networks and migration institutions. The scale and unexpected socio-economic consequences of migration. The Italian case: emigration, immigration, and internal migration. Foreign NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in Italy. Immigrants and local labour markets in Italy: characteristics and trends.

Minimum Pass Level: - Knowledge: Acquisition of the basic sociological vocabulary and analytical frameworks required to observe and interpret migration phenomena; Knowledge of the main political, cultural, and scientific debates on migration. - Skills: Ability to produce a popular science text on a specific topic related to migration, grounded in sound scientific evidence, demonstrating an understanding of the key themes and issues addressed during the course and using appropriate sociological terminology.
Excellent Performance Level: - Knowledge: Mastery of, and ability to compare, different sociological theories of migration, critically identifying their respective strengths and limitations. - Skills: Ability to apply sociological concepts to the analysis of empirical cases; Ability to critically evaluate public debates on migration by distinguishing scientific evidence from media representations and ideological positions; Ability to produce a popular science text grounded in robust scientific evidence, integrating different theoretical perspectives and empirical findings to develop an independent and critically argued interpretation of migration phenomena, while employing sociological concepts and terminology with precision and accuracy.