Migration and Borders
Migration and Borders:
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Module Code
- IL229-15 Level 5 (Intermediate)
- IL329-15 Level 6 (Year 3/Finalist)
Module Convenors:
Dr Heather Meyer (TBC)
When/Where
Spring term
Tuesday 14:00 - 16:00
R0.12 (Ramphal)
Assessment
- Student Devised Assessment (70%)
- Reflectice Piece (Op-Ed) (30%)
What is the module about?
Ever wondered why "migration" and "borders" ignite such intense debate in our global age, even though humans have always moved and boundaries have constantly shifted? What does this tell us about who we are, as individuals and as a species? How can we truly make sense of it all?
Step into a dynamic exploration where migration and borders become powerful lenses through which we can reimagine the world around us. This module opens the doors to cutting-edge research, moving beyond traditional theories and political rhetoric to uncover the interplay between human and non-human interactions, the fascinating evolution of identities, and the shifting landscapes of global power.
Prepare to connect the dots in unexpected ways. We'll delve into the powerful intersections of migration and borders with:
- The urgent realities of climate change and environmental studies.
- The ever-evolving influence of digital technologies.
- The pressing demands of global justice.
- The insightful perspectives of criminology and sociology.
- The expressive power of the performing arts.
Join us as we connect diverse fields of knowledge to illuminate the complex and compelling realities of migration and borders in our 21st century.
What will the module cover?
During the module, we'll move past surface-level discussions to investigate the powerful, often unseen, social, political, and cultural forces that drive how people move, how identities are formed, and how borders come into being. You'll learn to critically analyse the current debates around migration control and understand how they can unintentionally create deeper divisions in our world. We'll challenge the traditional way of thinking about migration by exploring its connection to underlying social, political, and cultural structures and geographies that shape international mobilities, identity formation, and the creation of borders.
During the module, we will cover:
- Global mobilities and the more-than-human
- Migration ecologies and climate change
- Gendering and racialising migration
- Border criminologies
- Migration, performances and identities
- Migration in an (ageing) society
- Digital borders
- Decolonising borders and resistances
- G(l)ocal mobilities
(Please note that actual sessions may vary)
1) Student Devised Assessment (70%)
This assessment offers you an opportunity to dive deeper into a specific aspect of migration and borders that sparks your interest. You will explore your own question and express your insights by creating a project in a format that suits your strengths and creativity. It is your chance to become a researcher and communicate your findings in a compelling way.
- By Week 5: You'll identify a question related to what we've been learning in the module that you want to investigate further. You'll then share this question with your tutor to get their feedback.
- By Week 8: You'll research what others have already said about your topic. This includes looking at recent studies, articles, and reports. We encourage you to think critically: What questions haven't been fully answered? Where can you offer a fresh perspective or new understanding?
- By Week 10: You'll let your tutor know how you plan to approach your question and what format your project will take. You could create:
- A written essay (around 2000 words)
- A piece of creative writing
- A visual design or digital artwork
- A video
- A recorded performance (music, drama, etc.)
- A physical piece of art or craft
- Have another idea? Talk to your tutor – we're open to possibilities!
- Before you finalise your project, you'll have a one-on-one meeting with your tutor (either in person or online) for about 20 minutes. This is your chance to get personalized feedback and ensure you're on the right track.
- Along with your chosen project, you'll submit a short written commentary (around 500 words) explaining your ideas, your approach, and how your project relates to the module's themes.
2) Reflective piece - Op Ed (30%)
For this assignment, you'll be writing a short, engaging piece about a current and relevant issue connected to what we're learning in this module. Your goal is to inform and spark discussion among a general audience while clearly presenting your own argument on a specific topic.
You may choose your topic, as long as it comes from the themes and ideas explored in the module. For example:
- Is the term "migration" the best way to describe how people move today?
- Should policies about migration and borders also consider the well-being of animals and the environment?
- What are the good and bad sides of calling some people "climate refugees"?
- What does it really mean to look at borders and migration through an "intersectional" lens (considering how different aspects of identity overlap)?
- Why do politicians and the media often link migration with crime?
Your reflective piece should be around 600 words and is due in Week 7. It needs to be structured as an argument and aimed at a general reader.
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How to apply
Complete our online form to request your place.
Once IATL have confirmed you have been allocated a place, follow your home department's procedure to register.
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