Module Catalogue 2024/25

SOC8050 : Migration, Mobilities and Inequalities (Inactive)

SOC8050 : Migration, Mobilities and Inequalities (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Silvia Pasquetti
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

We live in an age of migration. SOC8050 is an introduction to key concepts related to patterns and processes of migration. The module aims to provide an understanding of what migration means in the modern era for host societies and sending countries. It will provide students with an insight into how social structures influence individual mobility choices and pathways, and the outcomes – positive and negative - of different types of migratory movements. On completing the course, students will have a better understanding of how migration today differs significantly from previous migration waves, and they will be able to critically examine common framings of migration, challenging stereotypes and misperceptions.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will cover the following areas:

•       Defining and conceptualising 'migrants'. This will include a sociological analysis of what
it means to be a migrant, drawing, for instance, on Bourdieu, Goffman and feminist theories of intersectionality.

•       Theories of migration such as assimilation, integration, superdiversity and multi-culturalism.

•       The role of government in regulating and managing previous patterns of migration versus contemporary patterns of migration.

•       Migrants' experiences in everyday life (this will consider experiences in the context of inequalities and mobilities across different contexts such as the labour market, health and social care, and housing).

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should:

•       Be able to think about contemporary migration issues in a critical way.

•       Be able to describe different patterns of migration.

•       Have particular knowledge of migration and related theories such as integration and assimilation, superdiversity, ethnicity, poverty and inequality, and cosmopolitanism.

•       Understand the role of, and relationship between, social structures in determining migrants' socioeconomic mobility.

•       Be able to critically analyse and participate in debates on migration, supported by independent reading of key texts.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students should be equipped with the following transferable skills:

Intellectual skills

•       Analyse, evaluate and interpret information.

•       Develop and defend reasoned opinions.

•       Develop and demonstrate independent thinking.

Employability skills (practical skills transferable into employment)

•       Communication skills through participation in group discussions, presentations and class feedback sessions, and via written assignments.

•       Information and communication technology: searching and obtaining information; entering and processing data; and presenting information.

•       Improving own learning and performance: demonstrating independence while learning; and reviewing progress and achievements.

•       Problem solving: identifying a problem; exploring options; selecting an appropriate solution; use of appropriate resources; and synthesis, critical analysis, and interpretation of information.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture22:004:00Traditional lecture format Synchronous online (timetabled)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion136:0036:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading134:0034:00Preparation for small group teaching, workshops and lectures
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching32:006:00Consolidation of lect mat through examination of case studs, journal articles + other Synch online
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops52:0010:00Guest speaker TBC and student-led discussions - content for some of these TBC PiP
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity110:0010:00Preparation for workshops requiring students to work collaboratively outside core module hours
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module uses a combination of small group teaching, lectures and workshops along with a drop-in session during the scheduled teaching activity. The course is premised on locating migration within contemporary society, and so requires the students to reflect on and discuss sociological theories. This is best done through various approaches comprising lectures, scrutiny of case material and journal articles, and via class discussions. This pedagogical approach will not only accommodate different learning styles, but it will most effectively encourage students to question prevailing migration discourses. The module theme is very topical and to pique students' interest further, an external guest speaker will deliver a workshop on experiences within the Newcastle/Northumbria region.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M100One essay of 2500 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is assessed via an essay that will require students to identify and synthesise relevant source material (from journals, policy documents and 'grey' literature). They will need to develop a coherent and logical argument that demonstrates critical thinking, and present this within an essay format with due attention to structure, syntax and referencing. Within the module, all of these components are assessed and an essay provides the most appropriate format for achieving this outcome. However, the essay will also allow students to draw on other learning from the module including class discussions and workshop case materials.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.