About This Course

This course provides interdisciplinary insights on various cross-sectional themes related to migrations. It boasts an assembly of professors and researchers from six different faculties including anthropology, economics, demography, law, sociology, and psychology. They join forces with Belgian and international experts to enlighten, exchange, and rationalize the complexities surrounding migrations, aiming to transform students' perspectives by addressing questions like the benefits of migrations for host countries, the legality of rejecting migrants at borders, economic impacts of migrations, and the experiences of migrant families.

What Students Will Learn

• Analyze migratory movements and their underlying causes.
• Describe the impact of migration on family life.
• Master the legal terminology related to migrations.
• Analyze the demographic and economic effects of migration on host countries.
• Deconstruct prevalent narratives about migrants.
• Develop a more objective view of migration phenomena.

Course Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required to attend this course. However, having a basic understanding of law will help in comprehending the legal aspects covered throughout the curriculum.

Course Coverage

• Interdisciplinary perspectives from multiple faculties.
• Collaboration with Belgian and international migration experts.
• Understanding and confronting migration stereotypes and media narratives.
• Comprehensive analysis of legal, economic, and societal aspects.

Intended Audience

This course is suited for anyone interested in the complexities of migrations, including students of social sciences, researchers, policymakers, and the general public seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this global phenomenon.

Application of Skills

The insights gained from this course can be applied in various real-world contexts such as policy development, community programming, academic research, and public advocacy. Understanding migration can also enhance socio-cultural integration strategies and contribute to more informed public discourse.

Course Syllabus

1. Introduction: Basics of Migration
2. Module 1: Migrations and Discourse
   1. Social Psychology of Intergroup Relations
   2. Media Narratives
   3. The Impact of Stereotypes and Representations
3. Module 2: Migration Trajectories and Trends
   1. Analyzing International Migrations
   2. Migrations in the World and Belgium
4. Module 3: Migration, Employment, and Economy
   1. Immigration and Economy
   2. Public Finance and Immigration
   3. The Labor Market and Immigration
   4. Other Economic Effects
5. Module 4: Migration and Protection
   1. Institutional Violence and Migration
   2. Definition of Refugee
   3. Asylum Procedure Elements
   4. Testimonies and Illustrations
6. Module 5: Migration Trajectories, Narratives
   1. Diverse Contexts and Trajectories
   2. The Role of Narrative in Migration Policies
   3. Testimonies
7. Module 6: Cross-Influence of Family Dynamics and Migration
   1. Transnational Families and Intergenerational Solidarity
   2. The Flexibility of Kinship Laws in Migration Contexts