79550 - Sociology of Migration, Regulation and Criminalization Processes

Learning outcomes

This course aims to define the phenomenon of migration from the perspective of the key contributions of the sociology of migration. Particular attention will be paid to the study of the relationship between regulatory frameworks and strategies for access and settlement. The characteristics of the residential and employment situations of migrants and minority groups will be analysed in terms of their formal and informal dimensions. The analysis of feasible opportunities within the formal, informal and illegal sectors of the economy will also be developed with reference to the relationship between immigration and crime as a social construct, reflecting – from the perspective of criminalisation processes – on the identification of the causal links that appear to characterise it and on the discursive frameworks that define it.

Course contents

By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of the fundamental theoretical frameworks of the sociology of migration.
In particular, they will have acquired:
a) knowledge of migration processes to Italy;
b) the ability to interpret and analyse the dynamics of migrants’ social integration into labour markets and the various forms of exploitation;
c) the ability to analyse and interpret the relationship between migration and informal and illegal economies;
d) knowledge of, and the ability to analyse, processes of criminalisation.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students will be given details of the exam texts at the start of the course.


Non-attending students must agree the exam texts by writing to the professor: stefania.crocitti@unibo.it

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and practical workshop sessions held in the classroom, beginning with an analysis of specific case studies relating to migration, the integration of migrants, exploitation and criminalisation.
Teaching materials specially prepared for the students will be used.
The course will feature experts in the sociology of migration to explore certain topics related to the course content in greater depth.

Assessment methods

The final examination will be oral.

The assessment will aim to evaluate the following objectives:
- knowledge of the fundamentals of the sociology of migration;
- knowledge of the dynamics of migrants’ integration, risk factors and forms of exploitation;
- knowledge of criminalisation processes;
- the ability to develop and present critical arguments;
- accuracy in presentation, including the use of appropriate socio-criminological terminology.

The grade will be derived from the evaluation criteria mentioned above, in accordance with the following scale:
a) Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, analytical skills evident only with the lecturer’s assistance, expression in correct language;
b) Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, limited ability to analyse independently, expression in correct language;
c) Knowledge of a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analyses, mastery of specific terminology;
d) Comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analyses and draw connections, full command of specific terminology, ability to argue a case and engage in self-reflection.

Teaching tools

Power Point; papers written by the teacher for group activities.

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Crocitti