IR204: International Migration, Social Conflict and Public Policy

The course will offer a multidisciplinary approach to the topical subject of international migration, its causes and consequences, and the challenges it presents to policy makers.

Popular myths about migrants and migration will be challenged as the course addresses the highly-charged issues of immigration control and migrant integration. The role of employers, governments, NGOs and international organisations such as the European Union will be analysed as the course reviews current policy responses to immigration.

Questions examined in the course include:

• Why has migration become one of the defining issues of the 21^st century?
• How can one explain differences in national policy responses and their limited effectiveness?
• How does climate change affect migration?
• What role can international cooperation play in refugee protection?
• Why do immigrants do particular kinds of work?
• What are the problems of migrant integration?
• Has multiculturalism failed as an integration model?

Prerequisites: At least one introductory course in either social science (e.g. political science, international relations, sociology, economics), history or law. 

Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One examination and one essay

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

The course will appeal to both advanced undergraduate students and professionals who seek to gain a deeper understanding of the controversies around the issue of international migration and the management of movements of people across borders.

The multidisciplinary nature of the topic opens up this course to students from different disciplinary backgrounds, such as political science, international relations, law, history, political economy and economics.

• An understanding of why immigration has become such a dominant political issue, why it poses challenges for liberal societies and why policy-makers have struggled to effectively address them
• An appreciation of relevant theoretical perspectives as well as empirical knowledge of the causes and consequences of international migration
• Familiarity with the main academic and policy debates in the field of international migration and migrant integration
• Develop informed views about the desirability and feasibility of different policy options to address the challenges of international migration

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.