Prerequisits:

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. Basic knowledge of social science and humanities theories and research methods, especially in migration studies, is recommended.

Content (Syllabus outline):

The subject originates from migration as a phenomenon of human history. It then focuses on the constitution of migration as a scientific subject of study, the first beginnings of migration theories, the history of migration theories and the place of migration as a research problem in various scientific disciplines (sociology, economics, anthropology, cultural studies, demography, political science) in synchronic and diachronic perspectives. Special attention will be paid to contemporary migration strategies – placing the situation in the EU and individual EU member states in a global perspective. The module is divided into three thematic sections:

1. Constituting migration as a scientific phenomenon and migration theory

Students will revise, systematize and deepen their knowledge of migration theories in a historical and multidisciplinary perspective. They will become familiar with basic research methodologies and with the so-called methodological nationalism that can occur in migration studies. Understanding the migration process will cover the entire process that defines migration, from emigration contexts through migration routes, immigration contexts (or ever-new migrations) and inclusion/exclusion contexts in new environments.

2. Basic / selected theoretical concepts

Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of migration studies, conceptual dilemmas and various definitions that are important for understanding migration: migration, e/immigration, remigration, society, state and citizenship, legal political and social minorities vs. majority, cultures and civilizations, identity and sense of belonging, ethnicity, ethnicity – people – nation, national identity, naturalization, tolerance, stereotypes and prejudices, hegemony, socialization processes…

3. Practices, policies and theories of life in diversity

Students will become familiar with various practices, policies and theories of life in diversity: practices, policies and theories of exclusion, assimilation, melting pot and integration with an emphasis on approaches to respectful coexistence in diversity, the differences between them (multiculturalism versus cultural pluralism) and their inherent (conceptual) contradictions.

Readings:

• Bade, Klaus J. (2005): Evropa v gibanju. Ljubljana: Založba /*c
• Brettell, C., Hollifield, J. (ed.) (2000): Migration Theory. Talking across Disciplines, New York.
• Castles, S., Miller, J. M. (1998): The Age of Migration. International Population Movements in the Modern World, Macmillan Press LTD.
• Gordon, M. M. (1964): Assimilatin in American Life. Oxford University Press, pp. 1-18, pp. 84-159.
• Lukšič Hacin, M. (1995): Ko tujina postane dom, Ljubljana: Založba ZRC.
• Lukšič Hacin, M. (1999): Multikulturalizem in migracije. Ljubljana: ZRC SAZU, Založba ZRC.
• Lukšič Hacin, M. (2009): Večkulturno državljanstvo in večetnični patriotizem? Za manj negotovosti: aktivno državljanstvo, zdrav življenjski slog, varovanje okolja. (ed. Slavko Gaber). Ljubljana: Pedagoška fakulteta.
• Lukšič Hacin, M. (2010): Migracije v teoretskem diskurzu. Migracije in slovenski prostor od antike do danes (Ed. Peter Štih and Bojan Balkovec; Zbirka Zgodovinski časopis 39, 2010.
• Lukšič Hacin, Marina, Milharčič Hladnik, Mirjam, Sardoč, Mitja. 2011. Medkulturni odnosi kot aktivno državljanstvo. Ljubljana: Založba ZRC.
• Wimmer, A., Glick-Schiller N. (2003): Methodological nationalism, the Social Sciences, and the Study of Migration: An Essay in Historical Epistemology, International Migration Review 37(3), pp. 576 – 610.
• Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX).
• Multiculturalism Policies in Contemporary Democracies (MCP Index).

Objectives and competences:

To acquaint and train students:

• to recognize interdisciplinary similarities and differences that occur in the study of migration (through learning about the basic social science categories necessary for the analysis of migration processes and interdisciplinary differences in the understanding of the basic categories)
• to recognize and use qualitative or quantitative methodological approaches that are common in migration studies
• to discuss and analyze concrete practical cases from the perspective of migration processes, policies or theories.

Knowledge and understanding of:

• migration theories, policies, strategies and practices of e/immigration in connection with the implication on concrete cases in a synchronic and diachronic perspective
• existing methodological approaches in migration studies and methodological nationalism,
• basic concepts such as: migration, e/immigration, remigration, society, state and citizenship, legal political and social minorities vs. majority, cultures and civilizations, identity and sense of belonging, ethnicity, ethnicity – people – nation, national identity, naturalization, tolerance, stereotypes and prejudices, hegemony, socialization processes and interdisciplinary differences in their definitions.

Intended learning outcomes:

• prepare a written scientific paper with scientific apparatus,
• critically analyze diverse sources and prepare a case study
• interpret the results of research in a broader historical context,
• uses transdisciplinary analytical approaches.

Learning and teaching methods:

Types of learning/teaching:

• Frontal teaching
• Independent students work
• e-learning

Teaching methods:

• Explanation
• Conversation/discussion/debate
• Work with texts

Assessment:

• 20 % Short written assignments
• 60 % Long written assignments
• 20 % Presentations