Politics and Economics of Migration (POL128)

Taking into account the high relevance of international migration in today’s world, this course aims to equip students with the knowledge and analytical tools that will enable them to become informed and capable participants of current academic and public debates on migration. The course will provide an overview of key theories and models explaining the causes and consequences of international migration, focusing on the insights of economics and political science. Students’ work will center on the application of these theories and models to the analysis of migration issues in selected migration flows.

• The student can describe, understand and explain regional migration patterns, their historical background and relation to globalization.
• The student can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the micro-, meso- and macro- level theories of the causes of international migration.
• The student is able to identify and evaluate the economic costs and benefits of migration for emigrant-sending and immigrant-receiving societies.
• The student is able to identify, understand and analyze the consequences of migration for societal cohesion and electoral politics in emigrant-sending and immigrant-receiving countries.
• The student is able to understand and explain the impact of migration on states and their external relations.
• The student can apply the theories and models of economics and political science to case analyses of migration issues.
• The student can critically assess the information on migration in the media and public discourse.
• The student is able to raise thoughtful questions and engage in informed discussions on ambivalent and polarizing issues surrounding the phenomenon of migration.
• The student is able to communicate in a clear and well organized way, both orally and in writing.