Course Catalogue

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The settlement of migrant populations and the formation of minority ethnic groups undoubtedly shape the socio-cultural, political and economic fabric of a given society. From a UK perspective, amidst claims about 'the end of multiculturalism', the relationship between migration, social cohesion and national values continues to be an increasingly contentious political issue and how we live with or reject difference is the subject of continued political, public and media interest. Central to the course is the exploration of key debates around settlement, citizenships, diversity, integration, multiculturalism, belonging and social cohesion. The course combines an exploration of key theoretical and conceptual frameworks from sociology and related disciplines with the analysis of empirical material foregrounding the perspectives of migrants themselves as well as political and policy perspectives. We will explore the centrality, absence, or presence of racism in how settlement and integration is articulated and experienced. We will delve into the role these debates play in migrants' sense of home and belonging, and how difference is ascribed, experienced and negotiated on an everyday basis across UK cities and neighbourhoods. We will address questions such as: How do migrants forge a sense of identity and belonging across geopolitical and cultural borders? What is the relationship between racial and ethno-cultural diversity and citizenship? What different forms of citizenship exist and how might these be practiced in society? What facilitates or hinders the integration of settled migrant groups and individuals? What place of racism in integration debates and settlement experiences?  

20 contact hours over the course of a single semester. This will normally consist of 2 hours per week and may be a combination of lectures and seminars/workshops. This may be adapted toa blended leaning course

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1. a 2,250 word essay (50% of overall mark)

2. a 2,250 project (50% of the overall mark) The project/report will be based on a critical secondary analysis of qualitative data that has already been identified by the teaching team (ESRC UK Data Archives), highlighting migrants' perspectives of settlement, integration and belonging.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

■ To enable students to understand processes and experiences of integration, settlement, diversity and belonging. 

■ To examine key debates and theories about migration, settlement and belonging.  

■ To locate these debates in a wider policy context that shapes media and public narratives about how the migrant experience is studied and understood.  

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Review contemporary and emerging debates on settlement, social cohesion and belonging  

2. Identify relevant theoretical frameworks and conceptualisations from sociology and related disciplines used in the study of migrant settlement  

3. Recognise political and ethical issues related to conducting research on migrants' lived experiences  

4.  Understand data analysis approaches to empirical data and apply these to a real-world data set.  

5.  Critically analyse empirical qualitative data to assess processes and experiences of migrant settlement integration and belonging  

6.  Critically evaluate different state and non-state approaches to settlement and integration  

7.  Effectively present knowledge acquired during the course in a variety of written forms. 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.