Population, Migration and Mobility, 15 credits

Contents

The study of population development, migration and mobility is central to meet many of the challenges faced by current societies. The course embarks from a framework on sustainable development, and introduced key concepts and ideas for understanding population, migration and mobility at different spatial and temporal scales. The course is structured around key competences that relate to sustainable development; more specifically, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, norm critique and forward-looking perspectives. Within these themes, theoretical and empirical examples of population development, migration and mobility are discussed. During the course, the student will work with a specific case, which will be related to practical outcomes, policy and sustainable development.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

· Describe international and regional trends regarding processes of population, migration and mobility
· Explain central theories, concepts and trends on population, migration and mobility
· Have knowledge on how regional, national and global scales are related to population, migration and mobility in terms of both trends and effects
· Understand forward-looking analytical perspectives and how they relate to population, migration and mobility
· Explain how sustainability perspectives can be used to analyse the direction of social development in relation to population, migration and mobility

Skills and Abilities:

· Relate population, migration and mobility to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
· Apply key competences to attain sustainable development regarding population, migration and mobility
· Show ability to critically review literature on population, migration and mobility, both orally and in written
· Analyse how society should work and plan for processes of population, migration and mobilities
· Analyse in detail how one specific case of either population, migration or mobility processes can be understood from a sustainability framework

Judgement and approach:

· Critically reflect upon social norms in relation to population, migration and mobility
· In particular, be able to approach how aspects of nationality, gender and class are treated in social discourses on population, migration and mobility
· Be able to distinguish distinct research approaches in literature, judge how they relate to each other and evaluate their relevance in relation to each other
· Judge and approach alternatives for how society, in relation to the processes of population, migration and mobility, could move in a more sustainable direction

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in a major field of subject.,

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Form of instruction

Instructions are given through lectures and seminars where student is supposed to participate actively. The course also applies creative pedagogical tools to enhance learning, in particular a role play and case-based methodology. During the course, the case-based methodology is practiced through individual and group assignments, which will result in an individually written term paper. The course is given in English.

Examination modes

The examination is based on active participation in eight seminars and a final assignment (term paper). The seminars will develop the students’ knowledge and skills, which then form the basis for the final assignment. The term paper is written individually and graded on a scale of 0–30 points. At least 15 points are required to pass, and at least 22.5 points are required to pass with distinction. All other examinations are graded as pass or fail. To pass the course, active participation in all examined seminars is required, as well as a passing grade on all written assignments.

If there are special reasons, the examiner has the right to decide on an alternative form of examination. Deviations from the examination format specified in the course syllabus may be made for a student who has been granted pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptations of the examination format should be considered based on the student’s needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the course’s intended learning outcomes. Upon request by the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

Grades cannot be appealed, i.e. reviewed by a higher authority, but a student may always raise objections to the grading or request that the examiner reconsider their decision.

Students who have received a passing grade on an examination may not retake it to achieve a higher grade. For students who have not passed the regular examination, a re-examination opportunity will be arranged in accordance with Umeå University’s Regulations for Grades and Examination at First and Second Cycle (FS 1.1.2-553-14). A re-examination must be offered no later than two months after the regular examination, but no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular examination have been announced.

A student who has failed an examination twice has the right to have a different examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22). Such a request shall be considered promptly. Requests for a new examiner should be submitted to the Director of Studies.

Credit transfer

A student has the right to have prior education or professional experience assessed for possible credit transfer. Applications for credit transfer are processed by the Examinations Office at the Student Services Centre: http://www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande/ .