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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "SOSC/PL 207"
COURSE NAME: "Migration and Contemporary Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 3:00PM 4:15PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: 30 minutes before each class or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on one of the most important social phenomena of our globalized times: human migration. Students will explore the main debates about what causes people to migrate, the key impacts this has on the economic, social and cultural life of the places they leave and those they move to. The course examines the great diversity of forms and patterns of contemporary migration, alternating between looking at large-scale phenomena and local case-studies and individual migrant experiences. It explores how governments and institutions respond to migrant populations and how migrants adapt to and transform the environments they live in.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course examines the processes by which people decide to migrate, the routes and destinations they choose, their experiences during and after migration. It explores how gender, social class, family and social networks, institutional policies and technological developments influence individual choices and large-scale patterns. A variety of types of migration are explored, from low-skilled labor migration to elite lifestyle choices and forced migration. It investigates the consequences of migration on the sending, transit and receiving contexts, looking at how those societies are changed politically, economically and culturally by increasingly mobile populations. We examine the role played by state policies and legislation in the conditions of documented and undocumented migrants, as well as the situations of refugees and asylum seekers, and we explore the ways migrants mould their environments and social relations in their daily practices.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

·         Explain the main methods for studying migration flows and patterns

·         Understand and interpret quantitative and qualitative data on documented and undocumented migration

·         Summarize the main theoretical perspectives on the causes and consequences of migration and apply them to specific case-studies

·         Identify the main contemporary demographic and geographical patterns in international migration

·         Outline the roles played by gender, socio-economic background, and access to legal documents in the experiences of migrants

·         Discuss the main causes of forced migration and the challenges facing displaced people, asylum-seekers and refugees

·         Evaluate the rationale and effectiveness of state responses to mass migration in the context of globalization

·         Discuss the main theories on how migrants develop their identities and transform societies from below

USEFUL JOURNALS (full text of articles available through JCU library)

The International Migration Review

International Migration

Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

Forced Migration Review

 

 

USEFUL WEB RESOURCES

 Center on Migration, Policy and Society, Oxford University: https://www.compas.ox.ac.uk/home/welcome/

Forced Migration Online: http://www.forcedmigration.org/

International Organisation for Migration: http://www.iom.int/

Migration Policy Institute: http://migrationpolicy.org/

Migration News (UC Davis): https://migration.ucdavis.edu/mn/

Refugee Studies Center, Oxford University: http://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/

UNHCR: http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home

Further links can be found at: http://openborders.info/migration-information-web-resources/

 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Global migration: The basics. Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). New York. Routledge (Ebook available)9781134696871      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Intimate migrations: Gender, family, and illegality among transnational Mexicans. Boehm, D. A. (2012) New York: NYU Press. (Ebook available) 9780814789858  
Migration and culture. Cohen, R., & Jónsson, G. (2011). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Pub. 9781849808347  
An introduction to international migration studies: European perspectives. Martiniello, M., & Rath, J. (2012). Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press. (Ebook available) 9048517354  
Arrival city: The final migration and our next world. Saunders, D. (2010). Toronto: Knopf Canada. 9780307396891  
Migration Samers, M. (2010). London: Routledge. (Ebook available) 0415776651  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Rethinking migration: New theoretical and empirical perspectives. Portes, A., & DeWind, J. (2007). New York: Berghahn Books. 9781845453473   
International migration and social theory. O'Reilly, K. (2012). Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. (Ebook available) 9780230221314   
Humanitarian crises and migration: Causes, consequences and responses. Martin, S. F., In Weerasinghe, S. S., & In Taylor, A. (2014). Abingdon: Routledge. (Ebook available) 9781135085476   
The age of migration: International population movements in the modern world. Castles, S., & Miller, M. J. (2009). New York: Guilford Press. 0230517846  
Migration theory: Talking across disciplines. Brettell, C., & Hollifield, J. F. (2014). New York. Routledge. (Ebook available) 9781317805984   
Illegality, Inc: Clandestine migration and the business of bordering Europe. Andersson, R. (2014). Berkeley: University of California Press (Ebook available) 9780520958289  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term examA mixture of short and long answer questions in which students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings.20%
Final ExamA mixture of short and long answer questions in which students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings.25%
Two oral summaries of readingsStudents will be assigned readings on specific migration cases and will be required to present the material orally to the rest of class by synthesizing and critically analysing the material. See guidelines and grading rubric distributed in class10%
Class participationStudents are expected to take notes on class lectures, show evidence of having done the readings for each class and to ask questions and actively participate in class discussions.10%
Research presentation 10%Students give a 10 minute presentation on their chosen research project (preferably using powerpoint to illustrate their points). See guidelines and scoring rubric provided in class.10%
Final research projectStudents explore in depth an aspect of migration which interests them most, presenting the core issues, dynamics and impacts involved, drawing from the recommended readings and further bibliographical research. See guidelines and scoring rubric provided in class.25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the c
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY

Attendance is mandatory for this class and you are expected to not miss any classes. If you do, for example for health reasons, I will accept a maximum of 2 absences after which I will deduct 3% of your final grade for each class missed.

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 11 Dec 2015.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

 

Session

Session Focus

Reading and other Assignments

(Readings should be done BEFORE the class listed)

Optional extra reading

WK1 A

29 Aug

Introduction to the course

 

 

WK 1B

31 Aug

Concepts and methods in the study of migration

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. New York. Routledge, Chapter 1, “Migration. What it Means and Why it Happens” p1-9 (ebook)

Samers, M. (2010). Migration. London: Routledge, Chapter 1, p 1-32

(ebook)

WK 2A

5 Sept

Why migrate? Debates on the causes and processes of migration

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. P9-23

(ebook)

Samers, M. (2010). Migration. London: Routledge, Chapter 2, “Explaining Migration Across International Borders”

(ebook)

WK 2B

7 Sept

 

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. London: Routledge, Chapter 2, “Migration Across the Globe” p24-39

(ebook)

Samers, M. (2010). Migration. London: Routledge, Chapter 2, “Explaining Migration Across International Borders”

(ebook)

WK 3A

12 Sept

Histories and Geographies of Labour migration

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. London: Routledge, Chapter 2, “Migration Across the Globe” p39-51 (ebook)

 

WK 3B

14 Sept

 

“The Dark Side of Dubai” article (MyJCU link)

 

WK 4A

19 Sept

Student migration

 

Martiniello, M., & Rath, J. (2012). An introduction to international migration studies: European perspectives. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press. Chapter 11 “Student Migration” (MyJCU)

 

WK 4B

21 Sept

 

Lifestyle and sunset migration

 

Martiniello, M., & Rath, J. (2012). An introduction to international migration studies: European perspectives. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press. Chapter 12 “Sunset Migration”

WK 5A

26 Sept

Environmental migration

Saunders, D. (2010). Arrival city: The final migration and our next world. Toronto: Knopf Canada. Selected chapters

Martiniello, M., & Rath, J. (2012). An introduction to international migration studies: European perspectives. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press. Chapter 10 “Environmental migration”

WK 5B

28 Sept

Urbanization

Prepare urbanization reading presentation

 

WK 6A

3 Oct

Violence, displacement and forced migration

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. New York. Routledge, Chapter 1, “Migration and Policy” p126-136 (ebook)

Martin, S. F., Weerasinghe, S. S., & Taylor, A. (2014). Humanitarian crises and migration: Causes, consequences and responses. Abingdon: Routledge. Selected Chapters

 

WK 6B

5 Oct

 

Human Rights Watch Report (2015) The Mediterranean Migration Crisis

Why People Flee, What the EU Should Do (On MyJCU)

 

WK 7A

10 Oct

Mid-term exam

Study for mid-term

 

WK 7B

12 Oct

The world’s ‘undesirables’ – institutional management of refugees and asylum seekers

The Guardian "Europe could solve the migrant crisis - if it wanted" (Link on MyJCU)

 

WK 8A

17 Oct

The Business of Illegality: Human smuggling and Trafficking

Bhabha and Zard “Smuggled or Trafficked?” (On MyJCU)

AND

Samers, M. (2010). Migration. p 88-94

(ebook)

 

Watch “The Nigerian Connection” documentary (Parts 1&2) (Link on MyJCU)

WK 8B

19 Oct

Experiencing undocumented migration

 Boehm, D. A. (2012) Intimate migrations: Gender, family and illegality among transnational Mexicans. New York: NYU Press (ebook)

WK 9A

24 Oct

Documentary screening/guest lecture TBC

 

WK 9B

26 Oct

Gender and family: feminization of migration and transnational families

Listen to BBC podcast “Workers Without Borders: The Philippines” (Link on MyJCU)

 

WK 10A

31 Oct

Effects of migration on sending communities: Brain-drain, brain-gain and remittances

 

 

WK 10B

2 Nov

Systems of exclusion and incorporation in receiving societies

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. New York. Routledge, Chapter 3, “Migrants and Society”

 

WK 11A

7 Nov

 

Hand in research project outlines

Portes, A., & DeWind, J. (2007). Rethinking migration: New theoretical and empirical perspectives. New York: Berghahn Books, Chapter 5. “Immigrant Incorporation in Western Democracies”

WK 11B

9 Nov

Translocal Identities

Cohen, R., & Jónsson, G. (2011). Migration and culture. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, Chapter 3, “Fixed Identities in a Mobile World? The Relationship Between Mobility, Place, and Identity”

 

 

WK 12 A

14 Nov

 

Cohen, R., & Jónsson, G. (2011). Migration and culture. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, Chapter 30 “Migration, War, and the Making of a Transnational Lebanese Shi’i Community in Senegal”

 

WK 12 B

16 Nov

Transnationalism and political participation

 

Portes, A., & DeWind, J. (2007). Rethinking migration: New theoretical and empirical perspectives. New York: Berghahn Books, Chapter 6. “Migrant Transnationalism and Modes of Transformation”

WK 13 A

21 Nov

Technological development and future scenarios

Hanlon, B., & Vicino, T. J. (2014). Global migration: The basics. New York. Routledge, Chapter 7, “Migration and the Future”

 

WK 13B

23 Nov

Visit Emigration Museum TBC

Finalize presentations

 

WK 14A

28 Nov

Student Presentations

 

 

WK 14B

30 Nov

Student Presentations

Deadline for research papers