B6425 - Anthropology of Migration

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will know the theoretical paradigms related to anthropology of migration and the ethnographic methods of investigation of this phenomenon

Course contents

The course investigates the relation between migration and well-being and social inclusivity from an anthropological angle. The introductory lectures will develop an anthropological approach to the study of culture and society, to then outline migration and mobility as socio-cultural phenomena. In the first place, we will critically assess the norms and ideas underpinning movement and sedentarity. We will then analyse how people around the world variously ascribe meanings of safety, good life and self-realization to particular migratory trajectories. Subsequently, we will look at how states, economic systems and societies affect such ideas and trajectories of migration. Migration is a revealing site for studying social inclusion and exclusion at different political, legal, economic, social and ethno-racial levels. In turn, we will explore various concepts (precarity, stuckedness, waithood, etc.) that seek to capture the effects of in/ex-clusion on the lives of migrants and non-migrants.

Readings/Bibliography

- Reading lists will be provided in Virtuale.
- Suggested reading for the students with no background knowledge of Social and Cultural Anthropology: Eriksen Thomas Hyland (2017) What is Anthropology? Pluto (available as ebook via Unibo SBN Catalogue)

Teaching methods

The courses takes a seminar form, stimulating discussion and in-class activities. Student participation is therefore required.

Specific methods include: lecture inputs, Small-group exercises and discussions, Case Study analysis, Student presentations and discussions.

Assessment methods

Oral presentation and a written essay on a theme chosen by the student and approved by the lecturer. The essay to be submitted and discussed at the beginning of the second semester.

Teaching tools

Some reading and working material will be available on the platform Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Gaibazzi