Making sense of international migration

Learning outcomes:

1. To be aware of the broad range of issues at play when we think about international migration. 
2. To be aware of the various debates on those issues. 
3. To be able to set migration in its full and proper context, particularly with regard to the history of liberal democracy. 

Session titles:

1. International Migration: context & background  
In these first two short sessions (1a & 1b), we will discuss the current political climate around migration, before moving on to discuss the place of migration in our prehistory, as we advanced from a local to a global species. 

2. International Migration: the invention of a 'problem', and the Age of Empire 
In these two sessions (2a & 2b), we will explore the emergence of the Nation State, and with it the invention of the modern concept of the border. We will then continue on to discuss European emigration in the context of European Imperialism. 

3. Migration & Modernity: the role of international institutions, and the impact of migration on development
In these sessions (3a & 3b), we will examine the emergence, following WWII, of institutions to protect refugees, and to govern migration in general. We will then examine the various arguments for the effect of 'global south' emigration on home-country development. 

4. Current Politics & Migration: immigration, integration, and the climate issue. 
In these sessions (4a & 4b), we will explore the debates on the impact of immigration on 'global north' countries. We will then examine the relationship between climate change and migration. 

5. The Future of Migration: the post-COVID-19 Age, Human Trafficking, & Future Scenarios
In these final two sessions (5a & 5b), we will examine the effect of COVID-19 on international migration, discuss the history - and future - of slavery and human trafficking, and sketch some possible future scenarios. 

All course content will be delivered online via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be taught largely through a series of pre-recorded talks (which may be audio and/or video), designed to help you address different aspects of the main topic. You will normally have access to a range of useful resources and suggested activities.

There will also be an element of interactive work, and the opportunity for you to engage in written form with other course participants and discuss questions set by the Course Director via the Course Forum. The Course Director will generally respond to a selection of key questions and comments on a daily basis.

Some courses may also have elements of optional live discussions via Zoom.

There are no pre-requisites for courses, unless specified, and all are open to adult learners over 18 years old. Courses are taught at approximately first-year undergraduate level.

Content will be made available on each day of the course, Monday to Friday, from 8.00am BST. Course content will normally amount to c 1.5hrs per day across the 5 days, comprising of material delivered by the Course Director and activities/reading set, which would include discussions via the course forum. You may also need to complete reading or other preparation suggested in advance of the course.

We therefore suggest that you set aside approximately 1.5 hours of study per day to complete each day’s content and activities. However, this does not need to be done in one sitting, and you have the flexibility to access content when and where you want, and to go back and review it as often as you wish. Each course runs for one week and content will remain available to access on the VLE for 2 weeks after the course has finished.

A Certificate of Participation for the course(s) will be sent electronically, upon request via email, after the end of the Summer Festival. Details will be provided on the VLE.