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Module details for 2023/24.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

Ethnicity has been a long-standing concern in the domain of migration. Many scholars of migration study migrants along the lines of ethnic groups, and look at their experience through an ‘ethnic lens’, being interested in the emergence and role of ethnic networks, identities, and communities. Yet to what extent does ethnicity matter? Migrants often move to ‘super-diverse’ global cities and build complex relationships that seem to be insufficiently or inadequately captured by the language of ethnicity. Non-ethnic processes, identities, and attachments have gained increasing attention in today’s globalised societies. This module will critically examine the close link between migration and ethnicity to first, see how ethnicity achieves prominence in key areas of migrants’ lives, and second, to identify alternative approaches to ethnicity and ethnic-group centred perspectives on migration. We will discuss these aspects with reference to a variety of theories and case studies developed in the European or US context.
The overall aim of the module will be to encourage a nuanced understanding of the variable role of ethnicity in migrants’ experience. We will first look at theoretical perspectives on ethnicity and the critique of the ‘ethnic bias’ in migration research. We will then examine different domains where ethnicity becomes prominent (migrant networks, economies, politics, and identities). In the third part, we will evaluate alternative (non-ethnic) approaches to studying migrants, in the context of our increasingly ‘super-diverse’ cities and societies, to see how they fulfil their promise. We will look at different types of migrants and mixed neighbourhoods where old and new migrants and minorities cross paths, to assess the extent and limits of ‘everyday’ forms of cosmopolitanism.

Module learning outcomes

demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and critical appreciation of key theoretical debates around ethnicity

Critically evaluate the links between migration and ethnicity in different domains of activity

Demonstrate critical awareness of the variable role of ethnicity in migrants everyday experiences

Assess the strength of challenges, and alternative approaches, to ethnicity and ethnic-group centred studies of migration

Evidence critical awareness of similarities and differences between migration traditions and research agendas in European and American contexts

Apply relevant theories creatively to specific case studies. (NB: I have removed ‘from the European context’.)

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Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

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Dr Laura Morosanu

Assess convenor, Convenor
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