Introduction to Migration Studies

Introduces the study of human migration from prehistorical times to the present. Students will explore why people move across regions and continents – voluntarily and involuntarily – and how these movements have shaped societies, cultures, and identities throughout history. Familiarizes students with the key ideas, terms, and approaches that define the field of migration studies. It examines major patterns and forms of migration, including labor migration, forced displacement, colonization, exile, and transnational mobility. Students will learn how to think critically about the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that drive migration, as well as the diverse experiences of migrants and host communities. In addition to historical and theoretical perspectives, the course places strong emphasis on how migration is represented and understood. Students will analyze portrayals of migration in literature, film, photography, journalism, and other forms of visual and written media. By studying these representations, students will consider how narratives about movement and belonging influence public opinion, policy, and identity. Students will have a foundational understanding of the main concepts, models, and debates in migration studies, and will be prepared to pursue more specialized courses in the minor.