Class, Labour Migration and Globalization, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Ethnic and Migration Studies

Entry requirements

Previous studies at least up to a level corresponding to three years of study at a Swedish university, i.e. approximately equivalent to a Bachelors Degree at a British University. The applicant is required to submit one letter of recommendation (written by the applicant’s supervisor) and a 1–2 page outline of the applicant’s current research interests as these relate to the course themes. Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student shall on an advanced level be able to

• critically review theories on migration, welfare and labour regimes at global, regional and national levels;
• link trans-national class formation with migration and segmentation of labour markets in emerging  structures of global political economy;
• identify and demonstrate key problems and debates within the literature and current policy dilemmas at transnational and national levels;
• describe key demographic challenges and how they are related to migration.   

Course content

The course addresses international migration, emerging labour regimes and transnational class formations in globality. Against the background of the global economic crisis and neoliberal policy responses, the course introduces contemporary problems of increasing inequalities between and within countries and the role of migration in meeting these challenges. Issues of citizenship, inclusion and exclusion within post-Fordist capitalism are linked to central concepts such as race, racialization, ethnicity and gender. This includes addressing the issue of unequal migration, informalization of the economy, precarization of working life marked by ethnic, racial and gender segmentation of labour force, as well as transnational class formation. Focus will be set on analyzing and problematizing new class formations and interrogate the effects of austerity measures on the vulnerable workers.

The course will also address the demographic challenges and the question on how migration regimes interact with welfare and gender regimes around issues of global production chains, distribution, recognition and representation. The concepts such as global value chains are related to migrant workers and circular migration to the labour shortages of “ageing Europe” and upcoming deficits in service and care sectors.

Teaching and working methods

The coruse offers a combination of lectures, seminars, individual assignments and groupassignments. Students are expected to be well prepared for lectures and to have completed assigned preparations for seminars. Language of instruction: English

Examination

The course is examined through seminar participation and written assignments. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department