Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

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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).

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 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.

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.

General Notes

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