Module Objectives

This module aims at studying the various aspects of the migratory phenomenon in Europe and the developed countries in general. More specifically, it focuses on the analysis of the objectives and measures of the European migration policies as well as on thestudy of migrant flows towards Europe and the developed world as they evolve in recent decades.

The study of migrant flows is considered part of the dynamics of globalization and of the changes in the operation of nation-states since the post-war period. The analysis of migration policy offers an important setting for explaining current migrant flows, due to the fact that migration policy shapes and reshapes migration types as well as the various routes that migrants follow in their movement towards Europe and the more developed countries.

Special attention is given on the shifts of migration policies aiming at meeting the objectives of receiving countries, of origin countries and of the involved actors in the migration process

Course Content

A general context is offered looking at migration as a long-term historical phenomenon, whose characteristics keep changing. Description of the basic theories of migration. Conceptualization of the various migration types and definition of migrant categories and dynamics.

The demographic dimension of migration and the role of welfare state. Globalization, migration and the challenge of development. Institutional and political aspects of the European migration policy. The European models of social integration of migrants. The ‘South European’ migration model and its limitations. Description and appraisal of the basic changes in European migration policy in last decades.

Asylum policies and refugees. Irregular migration, xenophobia and conflicts in receiving countries. Transnationalism, civil society and the contentious issue of migrant integration. Circular migration and mobility. The recent ‘migrant crisis’ and future migrant flows.

Teaching and Assessment

Classes and tutorials for preparing, presenting and submitting a written assignment. Written exam, oral presentation and submission of a written assignment.