FSS:GLCb2027 Sociology of forced migration - Course Information

GLCb2027 Sociology of forced migration

Extent and Intensity

1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).

Teacher(s)

Olga Zhmurko, M.A. (lecturer)

Guaranteed by

Olga Zhmurko, M.A.
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Soňa Enenkelová
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies

Course Enrolment Limitations

The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 28/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 18/25

fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with

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Course objectives

Forced migration as a separate discipline has emerged relatively recently within the social sciences, and sociology in particular. The movement of people both within and outside countries is studied within migration studies, primarily through the prism of demographic, social and economic factors, but the most outstanding and independent factor is “force” (Harrell-Bond, 1988.). This course offers students a focused look at the trend of forced migration - whether due to military conflicts, climate change or other push factors that cause displacement - from the perspective of sociological theory and research. What social transformations does this type of migration cause? What are its distinct risks in terms of analyzing groups of forced migrants? What are the prospects for further research on forced migration in the social sciences, and sociology in particular, and how can sociological knowledge be applied in the field? In this course, we explore and discuss possible answers to these pressing questions concerning the different social dimensions of forced migration.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the semester, students will gain experience and knowledge on: - the development of the forced migration theories in sociology and migration studies; - typologies of forced migrants and social factors that influence the experience of this social group; - ways of adaptation, integration, physical and symbolic boundaries between groups of migrants and host societies; - research paradigms and approaches concerning forced migration and migrants. By the end of the semester, students will be able to: - To theorize forced migration as a social phenomenon using a sociological perspective; - Discuss contemporary trends of forced migration and the factor of “force” as an independent variable - Give and receive constructive criticism - Evaluate and revise first drafts - Demonstrate knowledge of and practice proper citation

Syllabus

• Course content • Introduction to the course and brief overview • Theoretical development of knowledge on forced migration in migration studies and sociology; • Sociological perspectives on forced migration; • Approaches to the study of forced migration; • The pro-migrant paradigm of sociological study on forced migration.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods used in this course involve weekly lecture meetings, reading of literature, homework exercises and formal writing assignment. The language of instructions is English

Assessment methods

Activities, requirements, expectations and grading: 1) CLASS PARTICIPATION: Approximately 50 percent the class time will be dedicated to lectures, in which students are encouraged to interact, ask questions and contribute; the remaining 50 minutes will be dedicated to group discussions and practice, based on the reading materials for each class. The discussions (the seminar portion of the classes) will take on a variety of formats. Participation in the class means: contribution to the discussion, based on your weekly reading questions and the topics, which will arise, participation in group work, and individual presentations. To highlight the importance of participation in our classes, student participation in class discussion accounts for 25 percent of the final course grade. 2) READING AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS (FROM WEEKLY LITERATURE OR WEEKLY PRACTICE TASKS): All of the classes are complemented by a list of literature (obligatory and supplementary). Students are required to prepare at least three discussion questions from the obligatory literature assigned for every class. It is expected that students will address critical and reflective questions on the reading materials and how they relate to forced migration studies. The list of questions and reflections should be submitted online in the Homework Vaults in the IS (the link will be provided) not later than 9:00 PM the day before class. Based on the questions, we will develop and facilitate the group discussion in each class, and they will also let me know that you have read the texts and fulfill this requirement. The reading and the discussion questions account for another 18 percent of the final grade for course. 3) PRACTICAL (INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP ASSIGNMENTS): During the class in Week 2, all students will be provided the instructions to complete an assignment over the course of the semester. (27 percent in total). 4) FINAL EXAM: In-class – based on the obligatory list of literature, the students will write short answers to 3 questions (each answer 200-300 words). (30 percent in total) Grading: The final grade consists of: 1) class participation (25%) 2) weekly discussion questions (18%) 3) practical assignment during the course (27%) 4) final exam (30%) based on compulsory readings. The familiarity with these texts is necessary to pass the course. The students will be offered a list of questions, and will choose 3 of them and answer them in written form.

Language of instruction

English

Further Comments

The course is taught: every week.

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