SO489      Half Unit
Family and International Migration

This information is for the 2022/23 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Ursula Henz STC.S100B

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Sociology. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access). Places are allocated based on a written statement, with priority given to students on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy and MSc in Sociology.  This may mean that not all students who apply will be able to get a place on this course.

Course content

The course examines the family life and family relationships of families with experience of international migration in Great Britain and other societies. It applies three perspectives to migrant families: diversity, integration and transnationality. It examines variations in family life and relationships in migrant families; particular challenges that are associated with the migration of a family to a new country as well as transformations of family roles and intimacy in transnational families. After an overview over family forms in different cultures, the course explores selected substantive topics. Indicative topics are: migrant children and children staying behind; marriage migration, transnational marriages, and intermarriage; the roles of mother and father in immigrant and transnational families; ageing migrant families.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, online materials and seminars totalling a minimum of 20 hours in the LT.

Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in LT Week 6.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the LT.

Indicative reading

Kraler, Kofman, Kohli & Schmoll (eds.) (2011) Gender, Generations and the Family in International Migration;

Baldassar & Baldock (2007) Families Caring Across Borders: Migration, Ageing and Transnational Caregiving;

Beck & Beck-Gernsheim (2014): Distant Love;

Ehrenreich & Hochschild (2004): Global Woman: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy;

Dreby (2010): Divided by Borders. Mexican Migrants and Their Children;

Foner (2009) Across Generations: Immigrant Families in America;

Madianou & Miller (2011): Migration and New Media: Transnational Families and Polymedia;

Parreñas (2005): Children of Global Migration;

Portes & Rumbaut (2001) Legacies: The Story of the Immigrant Second Generation.

Assessment

Take-home assessment (90%) in the ST.
Class participation (10%) in the LT.

Take home exam (2 questions, 90%) in the ST.

Class participation (10%).

Key facts

Department: Sociology

Total students 2021/22: 25

Average class size 2021/22: 13

Controlled access 2021/22: Yes

Lecture capture used 2021/22: Yes (LT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills