This module provides an introduction to theoretical, historical and contemporary debates around race, ethnicity and migration. It will engage students with substantive topics but will also practically illustrate the inner workings of research in the field through a practical 'Getting a feel for research' embedded in the module design. Thus, the module will aim to assist students interested in the topics of race, ethnicity and migration with the preparation of their undergraduate dissertations. the concepts of 'race' and 'ethnicity' are introduced. We focus on the deep implications that these notions carry for thinking about identity, culture, and social hierarchy; but also for studying ethnic tensions, prejudice and political mobilization.
We explore some broad patterns of international migration in historical perspective and examine how migration cohorts have changed over time. Traditional assimilation and integration theories are presented in relation to a variety of minority groups. Using both country-specific and cross-national studies, the dynamics of the processes of settlement and adaptation are considered in detail - moving from customs adoption and intermarriage to socioeconomic and spatial integration. Particular attention is paid to the challenges posited by global migration processes and the responses of local communities to the increasing diversification of the societies in which they are embedded. The concepts of 'race' and 'ethnicity' are introduced. We focus on the deep implications that these notions carry for thinking about identity, culture, and social hierarchy; but also for studying ethnic tensions, prejudice and political mobilization.
Aims
Learning Outcomes
Students are acquainted with critical debates about the use and implications of different methods of gathering knowledge about minority communities - such as survey analysis, in-depth interviews, and ethnographies. One 3-hour 'getting a feel for research' Practical will be organized to facilitate methods illustration.
We explore some broad patterns of international migration in historical perspective and examine how migration cohorts have changed over time. Traditional assimilation and integration theories are presented in relation to a variety of minority groups. Using both country-specific and cross-national studies, the dynamics of the processes of settlement and adaptation are considered in detail - moving from customs adoption and intermarriage to socioeconomic and spatial integration. Particular attention is paid to the challenges posited by global migration processes and the responses of local communities to the increasing diversification of the societies in which they are embedded. The concepts of 'race' and 'ethnicity' are introduced. We focus on the deep implications that these notions carry for thinking about identity, culture, and social hierarchy; but also for studying ethnic tensions, prejudice and political mobilization.
Aims
- To present a comprehensive overview of the academic and policy research in the area of ethnicity and migration both historically and in the present;
- To review and discuss country, and minority-specific case studies;
- To critically examine existing research on inequality and ethnic differences
- To outline the synergy between research question and method with specific example in the field
Learning Outcomes
Students are acquainted with critical debates about the use and implications of different methods of gathering knowledge about minority communities - such as survey analysis, in-depth interviews, and ethnographies. One 3-hour 'getting a feel for research' Practical will be organized to facilitate methods illustration.