SOC30360 Sociology of Migration, Race and Ethnicity

Academic Year 2022/2023

Migration is not a new phenomenon as people have immigrated and emigrated to and from different countries throughout human history. While migration is a significant feature of our societies, movement of people from one place to another has become a salient issue in recent times. This module explores migration as well as inter-related concepts such as race, ethnicity, nation-state and identity from a critical perspective. The first part of the module will examine key concepts and theories in relation to migration, race and ethnicity. This section will provide a socio-economic-historical overview of the concepts, theories and arguments concerning the global dynamics of migration, and role of the state in migration. The second part of the module will explore how these concepts can be applied to understand and explain different types of migration. In this section, labour migration, the experiences and treatment of asylum seekers and refugees as well as integration and citizenship policies nationally and globally will be critically considered. The final section of the course will focus on some of the key contemporary issues regarding migration and ethnic minorities. This section will examine public attitudes and media representation towards migrants and ethnic minorities, discrimination, racism, Islamophobia and climate change refugees.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate: 1) an ability to critically assess theoretical perspectives of migration and inter-related concepts of race and ethnicity; 2) a critical understanding of the social and historical nature of migration; 3) an ability to critically analyse academic literature on migration, race and ethnicity applying it to the contemporary debates relating to racial, ethnic, and national diversity, cultural transformation and policymaking; 4) an ability to engage, critically analyse and communicate key issues and debates related to ethnicity, race and migration.

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative topics:
- Categorisation of different types of migration
- Migration in a historical and contemporary context
- Theories of migration
- The nation-state and borders
- Colonialism and the idea of race
- Ethnic identity and ethnic minorities
- Citizenship policies and second generation migrants
- Labour migration
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- Direct Provision in Ireland
- Integration, incorporation, assimilation
- Discrimination
- Racism
- Media representation of migrants and ethnic minorities
- Public attitudes towards migration
- Islamophobia
- Climate change refugees

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

103
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; peer and group work; report writing, student presentations; critical writing.

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
SOC30200 - Sociology of Migration, SOC30340 - Race and Ethnicity


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): An online multiple choice questionnaire based on the lecture content from weeks 1-3. Week 4 n/a Graded No

15
Essay: End of trimester 2,000 word essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50
Assignment: Students have a choice of completing a short report (template provided) or a short individual in-class presentation on a topic of their choice (list of topics will be provided). Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

35

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

MCQ grade will be released in week 5. MCQ feedback will be provided in class. Individual feedback and grade will be provided on Brightspace for individual reports/presentations. Individual Essay grade and feedback will be provided on Brightspace. Additional feedback will be provided in person during office hours if requested by the student.

Name Role
Ms Deirdre Brophy Tutor