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Anna Triandafyllidou and Nick Dines

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in learning about migration. You can use the hashtag #FLmigrationtheories to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Understanding migration as a global phenomenon
  • Why does migration start?
  • How does migration continue?
  • Theoretical approaches in practice

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into migration theories

According to students, "Why Do People Migrate? Theories" from EUI offers a deep dive into migration theories, providing a solid theoretical foundation. Learners frequently praise the clarity of lectures and the quality of instructors, who make complex topics accessible. While many find the academic rigor a highly positive trait, some note its primarily theoretical focus may be a warning for those seeking practical policy application. Overall, it's considered an excellent introduction for anyone interested in social sciences or global migration, enriching their understanding with well-structured content.
The course material is thought-provoking and broadens perspective.
"It truly broadened my perspective and challenged my understanding of migration."
"Simply outstanding. Highly recommend for anyone interested in social sciences."
"Learned a lot about the historical and modern theories of migration. Good for those who enjoy theoretical discussions."
Instructors effectively explain complex concepts and theories.
"The instructors from EUI were exceptional, making complex ideas accessible."
"The lectures were clear, and the readings were very helpful."
"I found the course very well-structured and easy to follow, even for challenging topics."
Provides a strong academic framework for understanding migration.
"An incredibly insightful course that dives deep into various migration theories."
"It provides a solid theoretical foundation. Highly valuable for understanding global migration trends."
"As someone new to the field, this course provided an incredibly robust framework to understand why people migrate."
Some found the course dense or lacking in interactive elements.
"Sometimes a bit dense, but overall highly valuable."
"While the content is valuable, the course felt a bit dry. There wasn't much interaction..."
"I wished for more dynamic examples or interactive elements to break up the theoretical explanations."
Course is deeply theoretical, which may not suit those seeking practical policy insights.
"I found some parts a bit too academic for my taste. I was hoping for more contemporary policy discussions..."
"Too theoretical, not enough practical application. I struggled to see how this applies to current events."
"While the content is valuable, the course felt a bit dry... struggled to connect the theories to real-world scenarios."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Why Do People Migrate? Theories. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Why Do People Migrate? Theories will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Explores the relationship between migration and climate change, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by climate-induced migration.
Provides a concise overview of the key issues in international migration, covering topics such as the causes and consequences of migration, the role of migration in development, and the challenges posed by migration.
Explores the ethical and social justice dimensions of migration, focusing on issues such as the rights of migrants, the challenges of integration, and the role of migration in shaping social policy.
Is widely considered a foundational text in migration studies, offering a comprehensive overview of international migration's history, theories, and policy implications. It is highly relevant for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a core textbook in university programs. The latest edition incorporates recent developments in the field.
Explores the relationship between migration and the city, focusing on issues such as the role of migration in shaping urban landscapes, the challenges of integrating migrants into urban communities, and the impact of migration on urban governance.
Provides a historical perspective on migration, examining the role of migration in shaping the modern world.
A seminal work that provides a theoretical synthesis of international migration, drawing on empirical data from various regions. While not the most recent, it remains highly valuable for deepening understanding of the underlying causes and dynamics of migration. It crucial reference for advanced students and researchers.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book offers a deeply human and historical account of the Great Migration within the United States. It provides essential background knowledge on internal migration and its profound social and cultural impacts. While focused on a specific historical event, its narrative approach makes it accessible and a compelling read for all levels.
A powerful and timely novel that uses magical realism to explore the experiences of refugees in a world transformed by migration. offers a compelling and empathetic perspective on the contemporary challenges and human dimensions of displacement, making it highly relevant for understanding current issues. It is suitable for a wide audience, including high school students.
Specifically examines the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It key resource for understanding the international legal instrument dedicated to the rights of migrants and its implications.
This volume provides a critical engagement with contemporary issues in forced migration, offering interdisciplinary perspectives and case studies. It is highly relevant for understanding current challenges such as border externalization, prolonged displacement, and the securitization of migration. It is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the complexities of forced migration.
Introduces the institutions, politics, and normative dimensions of international migration governance. It is essential for understanding the complexities of managing migration at the global level and the challenges of international cooperation. It valuable resource for students and professionals in political science, international relations, and public policy.
While primarily focused on the US justice system, this book offers crucial insights into the creation of a racialized social hierarchy that has significant implications for understanding the experiences of marginalized groups, including immigrants and their descendants. It provides important context for discussions of race, inequality, and their intersection with migration.
A foundational text in postcolonial studies and cultural studies, this book explores the interconnectedness of Black people across the Atlantic and challenges traditional notions of nationhood and identity. It provides a theoretical lens for understanding the cultural dimensions of migration and the formation of transnational identities among diasporic communities.
Examines the complex relationship between migration and development, focusing on perspectives from the Global South. It challenges traditional development paradigms and highlights the contributions of migrants to their home countries. It valuable resource for students and professionals interested in development studies and international economics.
Explores the concept of 'borderscapes' and how borders are not merely lines on a map but dynamic social and cultural constructs shaped by mobility and power relations. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary issues related to border control, security, and the experiences of migrants at borders.
While a historical study of the English working class, this book provides a rich analysis of social change, class formation, and the experiences of marginalized groups, including migrants, during a period of significant industrialization and mobility. It offers valuable historical context for understanding the long-term processes of integration and social transformation.
A foundational text in postcolonial studies that analyzes the Western portrayal of the East and the construction of stereotypes. is relevant for understanding how migrants from certain regions may be perceived and the power dynamics embedded in representations of the 'other.' It provides a critical lens for analyzing discourse surrounding migration.
This unique and visually powerful book that tells the story of the Great Migration through the artwork of Jacob Lawrence. It is an excellent resource for introducing the topic to a younger audience or for providing a different perspective on this historical migration through art and concise text.

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