Immigration and Labour Markets in Economic History from edX

Are you interested in the economic effects of migration? Do you want to take a historical perspective on current debates? And which policies foster integration? These questions do not only figure prominently in today’s, often heated policy debates on immigration. They were already relevant in the past. In this course, we will review the evidence on historical migrant flows, relating past to current debates.

Students will learn key facts and empirical evidence on the economic determinants and labour market consequences of migration from a historical perspective. Topics include the skill composition of migrants; the integration of migrants and their children; and the effect of immigration on wages and employment of native workers.

The course will focus on immigration to Europe and North America since the mid-19th century. We will study each topic in the context of one major migration episode in history. Episodes include the Age of Mass Migration from Europe to the US; forced displacement after World War II; and the mass emigration of Cubans during the Mariel Boatlift of 1980.

This MOOC consists of six chapters. Each chapter will guide you through the material with a combination of videos, figures and interactive quizzes. You will also be introduced to the work of other experts in this field and can deepen your knowledge by reading articles and peer-reviewed papers. In addition, you will have the chance to do your own data analysis—for example, when exploring the relationship between settlement location and reefugee integration. The course is self-paced. However, we advise you to finish one chapter per week. Moreover, you have the option to receive a certificate after successfully completing the course and a final exam.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn about key facts and empirical evidence on the economic determinants of migration
Analyze the labour market effects of migration from a historical perspective
Understand how and why the skill composition of migrants changed over time
Distinguish between the integration of migrants and their children

Learn about central historical events like the age of mass migration from europe to the us, forced displacements after world war ii or the mariel boatlift of 1980
Get hands-on experience in the analysis of data
Test your understanding of international migration and labour markets with interactive quizzes

Learn about key facts and empirical evidence on the economic determinants of migration
Analyze the labour market effects of migration from a historical perspective
Understand how and why the skill composition of migrants changed over time
Distinguish between the integration of migrants and their children
Learn about central historical events like the age of mass migration from europe to the us, forced displacements after world war ii or the mariel boatlift of 1980
Get hands-on experience in the analysis of data
Test your understanding of international migration and labour markets with interactive quizzes

Syllabus

Introduction: Trends, Terms and Debates

Migrant Selection

Economic Integration in American Economic History

Economic Integration of Forced Migrants after World War II

The Wage Effect of Immigration: Theory

The Wage Effect of Immigration: Empirical Evidence

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the economic impact of migration and its relevance to historical debates on immigration

Led by Sebastian Braun, who has established expertise in the field of migration economics

Covers a comprehensive range of migration topics, including skilled labor, migrant integration, and the impact on the workforce

Provides hands-on experience in data analysis, enhancing understanding of empirical evidence

Could benefit from additional up-to-date case studies of contemporary migration trends

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Immigration and Labour Markets in Economic History with these activities:

Review Key Concepts in Economics

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Strengthen your foundational knowledge in economics to facilitate a deeper understanding of the course material.

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Review textbooks or online resources on microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Identify and focus on core concepts related to labor markets, migration, and economic growth.

Review basics of economics

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Reviewing economics concepts learned in previous coursework will strengthen foundation for new content covered in this course.

Browse courses on Economics

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Review notes and assignments from previous economics courses.
Read textbook chapters relevant to the concepts of this course.
Complete practice questions.

Contribute to Migration-Related Organizations

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Gain practical experience and make a meaningful contribution to organizations working in the field of migration.

Browse courses on Migration

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Identify local organizations that provide assistance to migrants.
Offer your skills or time as a volunteer.

Seven other activities

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Engage in Peer Discussions

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Enhance your understanding and critical thinking skills through discussions with peers.

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Join study groups or online discussion forums.
Engage in respectful and informed debates.
Seek feedback and offer support to fellow learners.

Explore Migration Data Sources

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Gain familiarity with the sources of migration data used in research and policy analysis.

Browse courses on Data Sources

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Identify relevant government agencies, international organizations, and research institutions that collect migration data.
Explore their websites and databases for available datasets.
Review documentation and metadata to understand the scope and limitations of the data.

Develop a Migration Resources Collection

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Enhance your understanding and expand your knowledge base by compiling a collection of resources on migration.

Browse courses on Migration

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Identify and gather relevant articles, books, websites, and other materials.
Organize the resources by topic or theme.
Consider creating an annotated bibliography or a digital repository for easy access.

Practice using data analysis tools

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Hands-on practice with data analysis tools will strengthen skills and enable active participation in course activities.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify appropriate data analysis software and learn its functionality.
Complete guided exercises to practice data manipulation and exploration.
Create a data visualization.

Practice Empirical Analysis

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Reinforce your understanding of empirical analysis techniques used in migration research.

Browse courses on Quantitative Data Analysis

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Access online resources or textbooks on empirical analysis methods.
Work through practice exercises or problems.

Economic Impacts of Immigration

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Gain a more profound understanding of the economic effects of migration by reviewing a seminal work in the field.

View The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: A... on Amazon

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Read the chapters that align with the course material.
Take notes and highlight key findings.
Summarize the main arguments and empirical evidence presented in the book.

Analyze Historical Migration Patterns

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Develop your analytical skills by examining historical migration patterns and drawing insights relevant to contemporary debates.

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Choose a historical migration episode from the course material.
Gather data on economic indicators, migration flows, and demographic characteristics.
Analyze the data using statistical methods or visualizations.
Write a report presenting your findings and discussing their implications.

Career center

Learners who complete Immigration and Labour Markets in Economic History will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Investment Analyst

An Investment Analyst researches and analyzes investments. This course may be useful to an Investment Analyst who wants to specialize in investments related to migration and the labor market. The course will provide Investment Analysts with the knowledge and skills to research and analyze investments related to this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst researches and analyzes financial data. This course may be useful to a Financial Analyst who wants to specialize in the financial aspects of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Financial Analysts with the knowledge and skills to research and analyze financial data related to this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Actuary

An Actuary uses mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. This course may be useful to an Actuary who wants to specialize in the actuarial aspects of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Actuaries with the knowledge and skills to assess risk and uncertainty in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. This course may be useful to a Data Analyst who wants to specialize in the economics of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Data Analysts with the knowledge and skills to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data related to this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Research Analyst

A Research Analyst conducts research and analyzes data to provide insights and recommendations. This course may be useful to a Research Analyst who wants to specialize in the economics of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Research Analysts with the knowledge and skills to research and analyze data related to this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. This course may be useful to a Data Scientist working with data on migration and the labor market. The course will help Data Scientists understand the economic and social factors that influence migration and the labor market, and how this data can be used to make predictions and recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. This course provides a foundation in data analysis that can be useful to a Statistician working with data on migration and the labor market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Economist

An Economist investigates the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in order to make recommendations to businesses, governments, and individuals. This course can help you get into Economics or enhance your economic knowledge, which can bolster your economic models as an Economist.

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Historian

A Historian researches, interprets, and writes about the past. This course may be useful to a Historian who wants to specialize in the history of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Historians with the knowledge and skills to research and write about this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Sociologist

A Sociologist studies human society and social behavior. This course can help Sociologists understand the role of economic and social factors in migration and the labor market. Armed with this knowledge, Sociologists can provide insights into the impact of migration on society.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. This course may be useful to a Consultant who wants to specialize in the economics of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Consultants with the knowledge and skills to research and write about this topic, and to make recommendations to businesses and organizations.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. This course may be useful to a Business Analyst who wants to specialize in the business aspects of migration and the labor market. The course will provide Business Analysts with the knowledge and skills to analyze business processes and systems related to this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects. This course may be useful to a Project Manager who is working on a project related to migration and the labor market. The course will provide Project Managers with the knowledge and skills to manage projects related to this topic.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies and develops recommendations. This course may be useful for a Policy Analyst because it provides an overview of the economic effects of migration and the labor market. This is important information to consider when developing public policy.

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Immigration and Labour Markets in Economic History

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