93217 - Sociology of Migrations (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have a general overview of international migration, pertinent interpretative frameworks, and related issues. They will understand key concepts for the study of migration, without limiting themselves to economics and demography.

Course contents

The course aims to provide the main conceptual and analytical tools for a sociological analysis of migrations, presenting the most accredited interpretation models, the most recent trends, and the social impact of this phenomenon in the Mediterranean area.

The first part of this course will consider the figure of the stranger and the interaction models with society as it emerges from the classical sociological debate (Simmel, Park, Thomas).

The second part will introduce the contemporary debate on international migrations and the interpretation models of this phenomenon from different disciplines.

Special attention will be given to:

1. Theoretical contributions from the Chicago School of sociology in the 1920s;

2. Considering migrations as a "total social fact", according to the Algerian sociologist A. Sayad;

3. Interethnic and cohabitation relations in urban settings.

the attendance of LABORATORIO DI ORGANIZZAZIONE E PROGRAMMAZIONE DEI SERVIZI is highly recommended. During the Laboratory experts and workers of the socio-sanitary field will present their professional experience, in order to enlarge the debate with students about the main issues of the course of sociology of migrations

Readings/Bibliography

For students enrolled in the Degree Program Sociology and Social Service:

1. M. Ambrosini, Sociologia delle migrazioni, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2020

2. . Aa.Vv., Le figure dello straniero come categoria sociologica (G. Simmel, W. Thomas- F. Znaniecki, R. Park), Dispensa di materiali a cura del docente (available from February 2022)

3.1 Curriculum Sociologia

A. Agustoni, A. Alietti (a cura di), Territori e pratiche di convivenza interetnica, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2015

3.2 Curriculum Servizio sociale

E. Barberis, P. Boccagni, Il lavoro sociale con le persone immigrate, Maggioli Editore, Santarcangelo di Romagna, 2017

For students enrolled in the Master's Degree in Geography and Territorial Processes

1. M. Ambrosini, Sociologia delle migrazioni, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2020

2. A. Agustoni, A. Alietti (a cura di), Territori e pratiche di convivenza interetnica, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2015

Teaching methods

Lessons will be complemented by seminars, with the active involvement of students and possibly with the participation of external guests.

Assessment methods

Exams are pursued to check the achievement of the following learning objectives:
1. Being able to recognize the essential features of this discipline.
2. Knowing the sociological debate about migrations.
3. Knowing how to identify and analyze the main characteristics of contemporary migrations.
4. Knowing how to use the most important concepts of this discipline.

The final grade will be based on an oral exam about topics related to the main objectives of the course. We will assess positively students who can move within the bibliography indicated in the syllabus, who have an organic vision of the issues, and a proficient skill in oral expression.

Throughout the year, the following rounds of examinations are offered:

- January 2026 (for all students)

- February 2026 (for all students)

- June 2026 (for all students)

- July 2026  (for all students)

- September 2026 (for all students)

- January 2027 (for all students)

- February 2027 (for all students)

Teaching tools

Slides and other online material available on VIRTUALE

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Bergamaschi