B7746 - Migration and Integration Processes

Learning outcomes

The course aims to analyse the phenomenon of international migration in contemporary societies by identifying the general trends, the most frequent causes and the connections with other phenomena (globalisation processes, labour market evolution) and to examine the policies regulating immigration and those aimed at fostering the integration processes of immigrants in the receiving society. At the end of the course, students will be able to: a) examine and understand the dynamics of migration processes; b) critically analyse policies aimed at governing the migration phenomenon; c) evaluate the effects of immigrant policies.

Course contents

The course aims to analyse migration processes and explore the main sociological theories on migration. Students will be able to master an adequate vocabulary to talk about migration and identify the different types of migrants. The course will examine the historical evolution of the migration phenomenon and address issues related to migration governance. Attention will be paid to forced migration and the figure of the ‘refugee’. Finally, the course will focus on policies for immigrants paying attention to issues of social, economic and cultural inclusion especially in the Italian context.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired an in-depth ability to: a. analyse migration processes at a global level; b. decipher the evolution of the migration phenomenon; c. examine the migration policies implemented for the management of migratory flows; d. reconstruct the legal framework and good practices adopted in the Italian context to promote the integration of the immigrant population.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students:

Ambrosini M. (2020). Sociologia delle migrazioni (terza edizione). Bologna: Il Mulino.

Non-attending students:

Ambrosini M. (2020). Sociologia delle migrazioni (terza edizione). Bologna: Il Mulino.

Two monographs among:

Ambrosini M. (2019). Famiglie nonostante. Come gli affetti sfidano i confini. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Bozzetti A. (2021). Oltre la selezione scolastica. I giovani di origine straniera all'università, Bologna, BUP.

Dalla Zuanna G., Farina P. e Strozza S. (2009). Nuovi italiani. I giovani immigrati cambieranno il nostro paese?. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Livi Bacci M. (2019). In cammino. Breve storia delle migrazioni. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Pacchi C. e Ranci C. (a cura di) (2017). White flight a Milano. La segregazione sociale ed etnica nelle scuole dell'obbligo, Milano, Franco Angeli.

Perrotta D. (2011). Vite in cantiere. Migrazione e lavoro dei rumeni in Italia, Bologna, Il Mulino.

Pugliese E. (2006). L'Italia tra migrazioni internazionali e migrazioni interne, Bologna, Il Mulino.

Strozza S., Conti C. e Tucci E. (2021). Nuovi cittadini. Diventare italiani nell'era della globalizzazione. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Teaching methods

If the number of enrolled students allows it, the course adopts a teaching organization model inspired by the “flipped classroom” approach, which is structured into two separate sections. One section consists of 8 lectures (16 hours) and aims to introduce students to the acquisition of basic conceptual and theoretical tools. Lectures are held twice a week. The other section, organized in a seminar format (6 seminars, 12 hours), is designed to apply and further develop the acquired knowledge.

In the seminar component, students are divided into two groups and attend one seminar per week. Each student is therefore expected to spend a total of 28 hours in class. Students are required to attend classes having already read the assigned materials and – in the case of seminars – active participation is expected, including the use of presentations of research and case studies.

If the number of participants is not sufficient to adopt the “flipped classroom” model, students who choose to attend will still be involved in in-class discussion activities based on short articles to be read independently and presented to their peers. This activity will be assessed and will contribute to the final grade (2/5 of the overall mark).

Assessment methods

Students attending the course are required to ensure consistent participation in all lectures and all 6 seminars.

To be considered an attending student, each student must complete the form available at the following page by 25 September 2026 (if the link does not work, copy and paste the address below into a browser):
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/58nxDYw1G7

In case of difficulties in completing the form, students should write to d.mantovani@unibo.it by 25 September 2026.

In order to verify the continuous participation of attending students in lectures and seminars, attendance will be taken starting from the fifth lecture, i.e. from 1 October 2026.

For attending students:

The exam consists of two parts.

The FIRST PART of the exam (accounting for 2/5 of the final grade) is based on presentations and discussions of academic articles carried out in class during the course.

The SECOND PART of the exam (accounting for the remaining 3/5 of the final grade) can be taken in one of the exam sessions starting from January 2027. This second test consists of writing a short essay (maximum 1000 words) based on a prompt provided on the day of the exam. The essay will be written in the computer lab in an open-book format. Specifically, after reading the prompt, students will have 20 minutes to consult the textbook and all the materials discussed in class and used for the first part of the exam. After this 20-minute period, students will have 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete the essay.

For non-attending students:

The exam is written and consists of five open-ended questions: three questions on the main textbooks and two questions on selected monographs (one question per monograph). The time available is 90 minutes.

Students with DSA or temporary/permanent disabilities

Students are advised to contact the relevant University office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any necessary accommodations, which must be submitted at least 15 days in advance for approval by the instructor, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the course learning objectives.

For all students

Candidates may only retain the grade obtained in their most recent attempt at the exam.

IMPORTANT: Exam registration is done by students via Almaesami. Registration lists close 5 days before the exam session. It is not possible to register once the lists are closed. It is therefore the sole responsibility of the student to register on time.

Withdrawal from the exam list must be completed before the registration deadline. Students who register for an exam and do not withdraw in time will incur a 3-point penalty on their final grade.

Only in exceptional cases (e.g. illness, bereavement, or similar circumstances) may students request withdrawal after the lists have closed (i.e. within the 5 days before the exam). In such cases, students must immediately inform the instructor via email (d.mantovani@unibo.it ) and provide supporting documentation.

Final grade evaluation criteria:

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and/or textbooks, limited analytical ability, generally correct language: 18–19;
Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and/or textbooks, sufficient analytical ability, correct language: 20–24;
Preparation on a broad range of topics covered in the course and/or textbooks, ability to make independent critical analytical choices, command of specific terminology: 25–29;
Comprehensive preparation on course topics, ability to make independent critical analytical choices and to establish connections, full command of specific terminology, and strong argumentative and self-reflective skills: 30–30 with honors (30L).

Grade rejection:

Students who pass the exam may reject the grade only once. This rule is in accordance with Article 16, paragraph 5 of the University Teaching Regulations, as amended by the Academic Senate resolution approved by the Board of Directors in February 2018: “in case of a positive result, the student may request to reject the grade. The rejection must be granted by the instructor at least once for each course.” After a rejection, any subsequent positive result will be officially recorded.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through in-depth exploration, synthesis, and self-assessment activities.

During the examination, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Papers and articles on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Debora Mantovani