Students

SOC 297 – Global Migration and Human Rights

2019 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Associate Professor Amanda Wise
Contact via 9850-8835
Australian Hearing Hub
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
In this unit you will consider migration from a global perspective with case studies from Australia, UK, Europe, the US, and Asia. Through the lens of human rights and social justice, you will focus on the way that population movements are shaped by global economic and political changes, as well as the impact of population movements on international and national politics. You will be introduced to the most vital practices and politics related to international migration and settlement. The course spotlights particular forms of human mobility, including asylum seekers and refugees and labour migration. You will also analyse some of the key literature associated with the sociology of international migration to consider how global migration is linked to major social transformations at the local, national and global level.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation 10% No Ongoing
Ethnography & Photo Essay 30% No Week 8
Research Report 40% No Week 12
Weekly Quiz 20% No Weekly

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Consistent and quality participation in tutorial discussions; evidence of having completed readings and set viewing and listening tasks. For external students, this includes submission of a weekly topic reflection, questions and interaction in the online discussion threads.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Ethnography & Photo Essay

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 30%

Ethnographic observation task culminating in a visual online poster presentation (Adobe Spark visual photo blog) accompanied by a writing task drawing links between field observations and concepts from readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Research Report

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%

Research Report on a topic selected from among a set of options.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Weekly Quiz

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

Students must complete a weekly multiple choice quiz based on the readings and lecture material. Quiz opens Monday and closes Friday. No extensions possible without a formal special consideration request.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism

Delivery and Resources

INTERNAL: You are required to attend a 2 hour lecture every week and attendance will be monitored. You are also required to attend a 1 hour tutorial every week - attendance is compulsory and forms part of your Tutorial Participation  grade (20%). Absences will only be excused with a valid medical certificate. 

EXTERNAL: You are required to view a 2 hour lecture every week and attendance will be monitored. You are also required to participate in the online tutorial discussion forums every week  - which is compulsory and forms part of your Tutorial Participation  grade (20%). Absences will only be excused with a valid medical certificate. Students must enter a minimum of ONE posting PER WEEK of 250 words + a question- PLUS Interact with the discussion at least three times during the week.

Unit Schedule

 

  • Week 1: Introduction: Sociology of International Migration

  • Week 2: Theories on Migration and Methodologies

  • WEEK 3: Migrant labour in the economy + Migrant social capital

  • Week 4: Transnational Families + Flexible Citizenship

  • Week 5: Temporary Mobilities Australia - Staggered Pathways

  • Week 6: Diaspora, Transnationalism & Low End Globalisation: the Case of Africans in China

  • Week 7: Intermediaries, Brokers & Infrastructures of Migration

  • Week 8: Migration Development + Film Screening - Chasing Asylum

  • Week 9: Immigration Controls, Asylum Seekers and Refugees

  • Week 10: Low wage migrant labour

  • Week 11: Trafficking, modern slavery & unfree labour

  • Week 12: Transnational Solidarities, Activism & Migrant Advocacy

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report
  • Weekly Quiz

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report
  • Weekly Quiz

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report
  • Weekly Quiz

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to discuss some of the characteristics of migratory flows around the world, as well as in the Australian context
  • Recognise the contribution of a range of sociological perspectives to debates concerning international migration
  • Be familiar with the concepts of migration, diaspora, transnationalism, nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, citizenship, and racism
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a number of influential debates concerning migrants and migration, and multiculturalism
  • Provide constructive input into the presentations of others
  • Be able to source and engage with quality news coverage and opinion pieces.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Ethnography & Photo Essay
  • Research Report
  • Weekly Quiz

Changes from Previous Offering

Content is now purely focused on global migration and human rights. Previous years' content on race, diversity and multiculturalism is now covered in SOCI318 (semester 2)