SO489      Half Unit
Family and Migration

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Ursula Henz STC.S100B

Availability

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

Course content

The course examines the family life, family patterns and family relationships of contemporary migrant families in Great Britain and other societies. It applies three perspectives to migrant families: diversity, integration and transnationality. It examines variations in family life, patterns 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 left behind; marriage migration, transnational marriages, and intermarriage; the roles of mother and father in immigrant and transnational families; migrant families and family care.

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, in line with departmental policy.

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%) and class participation (10%) in the ST.

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

Class participation (10%).

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 29.6
Merit 60.6
Pass 9.9
Fail 0

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Sociology

Total students 2019/20: Unavailable

Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable

Controlled access 2019/20: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

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