SGO2600 – Migration, Transnationalism and Development
Course description
Course content
The course provides an understanding of the process of international migration and transnationalization and discusses the migration-development nexus in a global context. It gives an overview of theories and geographies of migration and mechanisms of migration management and settlement. Furthermore, the course discusses theories of transnationalism and places a focus on transnational practices of migrants. Remittances will be used as an example of transnational practice and different dimensions of remittances will be discussed to illustrate the migration-development nexus.
The course will also explore some of the debates and attempts to develop new agenda in academic and policy arenas on migration and development.
The course adopts a geographical approach by giving more attention towards spatial concepts related to migration such as place, space and territory. Recognizing the fact that the field of migration studies has become an interdisciplinary one, the course is designed in a way to include contributions from various disciplines.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Students shall attain:
- An overview and understanding of theories of migration and mechanisms of migration management and settlement
- Knowledge of theories of transnationalism and transnationalization of migrant life
- A good understanding of the concept of diaspora and the migration-remittance-development nexus
- Familiarity with academic and policy debates on migration, transnationalization and development
Skills
Students shall attain:
- Ability to critically read, discuss and use relevant literature within the field of migration, transnationalism and development
- Ability to use key concepts and theories in concrete studies within the migration-transnationalism-development nexus
- Ability to conduct a short field study on a migration related issue and to write an academic report based on field observations
Competences
Students shall attain:
- Reflexivity around the links between international migration, transnationalism and development and around policy debates within the same field
- Reflexivity around challenges of doing research on international migration and transnationalism
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
General reading and observation of migration and transnationalization and development issues is recommended.
Teaching
The course includes 11 lectures and four seminars. The seminars will be organized as group seminars and the number of groups will be decided based on the number enrolled. Compulsory coursework is included in the seminars. Completed and approved compulsory course work is valid until the course is no longer offered. Students who have failed to complete the compulsory course work cannot take the exam.
Lectures and seminars will be held in English language.
The course will be taught at Blindern Campus at the University of Oslo. Electronic portal FRONTER will be actively used. Guest lecturers will also take part in the course.
Application for change of seminar group
Absence from compulsory tuition activities
If you are ill or have another valid reason for being absent from compulsory tuition activities, your absence may be approved or the compulsory activity may be postponed.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Grading is based upon an overall evaluation of both an individual essay and a 3-hour school exam. The grading will emphasize the school exam more, no individual grades will be given. The length of the individual essay must be 10-12 pages (excluding references), using 12 point letter size and a spacing of lines 1 1/2.
Both exams must be passed the same semester in order to recieve a valid final grade.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
The school exam will be given in English only. The students can choose whether they will answer the exam questions in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.
Guidelines for writing a school exam (English)
Guidelines for writing a school exam (Norwegian)
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.