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):

1. Introduction to the Subject: Basic Concepts

• Migration: types, causes, history
• Culture: definitions, challenges

2. Theoretical Frameworks

• Multiculturalism, interculturalism, transculturalism
• Transnationalism and diasporic perspectives
• Postcolonial theory and migration

3. Migration and Identity

• Cultural identity and belonging
• Dual or multiple identities
• Language, religion, gender, generational, and other aspects

4. Migration Discourses and the Media

• Media representations of migrants
• Migration and the “Other” in public discourse
• Xenophobia, racism, and cultural stereotypes

5. Cultural Policies and Migration

• Integration policies
• Cultural rights and participation
• Migrants as cultural creators

6. Art, Culture, and Migration

• Migration in literature, film, music
• Cultural production by migrants
• Cultural hybridity

Readings:

Overview of contemporary migration trends and theories:

• Castles, S., de Haas, H. & Miller, M. J. (2020). The Age of Migration: International Population Movements in the Modern World. 6. izdaja. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

A key work for understanding transnational connections among migrants:

• Vertovec, S. (2009). Transnationalism. London: Routledge.

A critical perspective on identity and belonging in the context of migration:

• Anthias, F. & Yuval-Davis, N. (2005). Racialized Boundaries: Race, Nation, Gender, Colour and Class and the Anti-Racist Struggle. London: Routledge.

A classic work on diasporic identity:

• Hall, S. (1992). Cultural Identity and Diaspora. V: Rutherford, J. (ur.), Identity: Community, Culture, Difference. London: Lawrence & Wishart.

Objectives and competences:

• Understand the relationship between culture and migration processes.
• Familiarize yourself with different theoretical approaches to studying migration (e.g.,transnationalism, diasporic identity, multiculturalism).
• Critically analyze the impact of migration on cultural practices, identities, everyday life, and social relations.
• Study migration examples in different contexts (local, regional, global).
• Develop the ability to think critically about migration policies and discourses.

Intended learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the interrelationship between migration and culture:

• Analyze how migration processes influence cultural practices, identities, and social structures.
• Recognize the significance of migration in shaping cultural diversity both locally and globally.

2. Apply theoretical approaches to the study of migration:

• Critically engage with key migration theories (e.g., multiculturalism, transnationalism, postcolonial theory).
• Assess different perspectives on cultural adaptation, diasporic identity, and intercultural relations.

3. Critically evaluate the impact of migration on identity formation:

• Analyze how migration influences cultural identity and belonging across different contexts.
• Examine the complexities of dual or multiple identities in migrant communities.

4. Assess the role of media in shaping migration discourses:

• Critically examine media representations of migrants and the impact of these portrayals on public opinion.
• Identify and analyze discursive patterns related to “the Other,” xenophobia, racism, and stereotypes.

5. Evaluate cultural policies and migration:

• Understand and evaluate integration and cultural policies in different countries.
• Discuss the role of migrants as cultural contributors and creators in their host societies.

6. Analyze the intersection of art, culture, and migration:

• Investigate how migration is depicted in various forms of cultural production, including literature, film, and music.
• Examine cultural hybridity and the ways in which migrants negotiate their identities through creative expressions.

7. Develop critical thinking skills on migration-related issues:

• Engage in critical debates on migration, cultural policies, and global cultural exchange.
• Propose solutions and recommendations for addressing migration-related challenges in contemporary society.

Learning and teaching methods:

Types of learning/teaching:

• Frontal teaching
• Work in smaller groups or pair work
• Independent students work
• e-learning

Teaching methods:

• Explanation
• Conversation/discussion/debate
• Work with texts
• Case studies
• Roleplay
• Different presentation
• Solving exercises
• Inviting guests from companies

Assessment:

• Short written assignments 50 %
• Long written assignments 50%

Lecturer’s references:

• Jernej Mlekuž. ABCČĆ migracij. Ljubljana: Založba ZRC, 2021. https://isim.zrc-sazu.si/sl/publikacije/abccc-migracij#v
• Jernej Mlekuž. Kalorien und Nationalstolz. Oder wie die Krainer Wurst zur Entstehung der slowenischen Nation beitrug. Wien: LIT Verlag, 2022. https://www.lit-verlag.de/isbn/978-3-643-91226-8
• Jernej Mlekuž. Slivovitz and Everyday Nationalism: The Analysis of Slovene Newspapers in Interwar Yugoslavia. Nationalities Papers, 2023: 1-16. doi:10.1017/nps.2023.20, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nationalities-papers/article/slivovitz-and-everyday-nationalism-the-analysis-of-slovene-newspapers-in-interwar-yugoslavia/4BE15C2A0FD0A785118D0BE13EA2D9D1
• Kristina Toplak. Med ustvarjalnostjo in migracijami : biografski portret umetnice in begunke Bare Remec. Dve domovini : razprave o izseljenstvu. 2021, [št.] 53, str. 45-61. https://ojs.zrc-sazu.si/twohomelands/article/view/9530/8789, DOI: 10.3986/dd.2021.1.04.
• Kristina Toplak. Migracijski pojmovnik za mlade. 1. izd. Maribor: Aristej, 2019. 136 str., ilustr. Zbirka Pojmovniki, knj. 11.