The Sociology of Migrations: The context of Spain and the European Union

Migration and the consequences of migration has been and still are one of the most important social phenomenas in the world. Consequently, it is central for policy makers at all levels including intergovernmental institutions such as the European Union. Migration phenomenas are furthermore affecting a broad range of social institutions, social processes, and our way of life. In other words, migration in all its forms has far reaching demographic, cultural, and political implications. This course aim at introducing its students to migration, its problems and opportunities.

The course focus both on past and present migration. It analyses migration from different but related angles such as; demographic, social, political, and economic, with emphasis on the main scientific and political debates. The following broad content outline will be covered:

1) History of migration.
2) Demography and migration.
3) Migration theory ¿ i.e. explaining migration phenomena.
4) Migration policy EU regulation and national policy approaches, with emphasis on the Spanish case.
5) Ethnicity, Integration and Segregation in Spain and in the EU.