57850 - Sociology of Migrations

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to understand and contextualise contemporary migration processes, with reference to general trends, the causes of migration, the links between immigration and the labour market, and immigration-related urban changes. Through in-depth studies on ethnic networks, gender differences and families, second generations and refugees, the student is able to gather and understand the fundamental elements of migration regulation and immigrant policies.

Course contents

The course aims to provide students with the main conceptual and analytical tools necessary for a sociological analysis of migration, by presenting the most established interpretative models, recent trends, and the social impact of the phenomenon within the European context.

In the first module, the course will reconstruct the coordinates of the contemporary debate on international migration and examine the main theoretical models used to interpret the phenomenon, drawing on contributions from various disciplinary fields. Particular attention will also be given to the topic of recent externalization agreements in migration governance and to the racialization processes emerging in the labor sectors employing migrant workers.
The required readings for this module will include the works of Ambrosini and Gargiulo.

In the second module, the sociological theories introduced throughout the course will be contextualized through the study of Sayad’s analysis of Algerian migration to France, considered a paradigmatic case. This module will present and critically discuss a classical contribution to the sociology of migration (Sayad) in order to explore how a sociological gaze can be applied to migration phenomena through the lens of a concrete case study.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Maurizio Ambrosini, Sociologia delle migrazioni, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2020. Capitoli 1-10 (Parte prima: coordinate e processi fondamentali // Parte seconda: attori emergenti // Parte terza: la dimensione politica)

2. Abdelmalek Sayad, La doppia assenza. Capitoli: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-12.

3. Enrico Gargiulo Contro l’integrazione. Ripensare la mobilità. [https://www.meltemieditore.it/autore-nome-cognome/enrico-gargiulo/]

Teaching methods

Lectures will be complemented by in-class discussions, fostering active student participation and engagement throughout the course.

Assessment methods

The examination is designed to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:

1. The ability to identify the essential features of the discipline;

2. Knowledge of the evolution of the sociological debate on migration phenomena;

3. The ability to identify and analyze the main characteristics of contemporary migration phenomena;

4. The ability to apply the core interpretative concepts of the discipline.

The final grade for the course is determined either through:

• A first written midterm examination (on the texts by Ambrosini and Gargiulo), followed by a second written final examination on the remaining text (Sayad),
  or

• A comprehensive oral examination, to be taken on official exam dates regularly published on AlmaEsami.

Positive assessment will be given to students who demonstrate a strong command of the required readings, an integrated and coherent understanding of the key topics covered in the course, and the ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively using appropriate academic language.

Grading Criteria

Grade Description

30 with honors Outstanding theoretical mastery, flawless application of concepts, originality, excellent logical structure, and clear, engaging presentation

28–30 Excellent theoretical understanding, solid conceptual application, strong argumentation, effective presentation

25–27 Good general understanding, correct but limited application, some theoretical gaps

21–24 Sufficient understanding with theoretical or practical inaccuracies, weak or inconsistent analysis

18–20 Minimal understanding of core concepts, superficial application, incomplete or incoherent work

Below 18 Fail: insufficient critical understanding, work not submitted or inadequate in content or structure

Students who are unable to write or speak in Italian for justified reasons may take the written or oral examination in one of the following languages: French, English, Portuguese, or Spanish.

 

Notice for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities:
Students are advised to contact the University's dedicated office in advance:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en
The office will evaluate and suggest any appropriate accommodations. These accommodations must be submitted for approval to the course instructor at least 15 days prior to the exam date. The instructor will assess the suitability of such requests in relation to the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides available on virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Carolina Mudan Marelli