This module will examine the formation of identities in the context of global migration. The module will explore the cultural and political aspects of recent migrations within and to the West. It is against this background that the module will examine some of the theoretical and empirical issues surrounding the formation of ethnic and racial identities in these contemporary times.

·         To provide an overview of the role and significance of migration in contemporary societies.

·         To provide an introduction to the meaning and lived experience of racial and ethnic identities

• To introduce students to sociological approaches to the study of identity, migration and ethnicity

By the end of the course, students should:

• Have a familiarity with sociological approaches to the cultural aspects of migration and identity formation

   

• Will appreciate the way in which global and local inequalities shape the migration process

   

• Be introduced to key concepts in the sociology of race and ethnicity

   

• Be familiar with theoretical approaches and empirical studies that explore the relationship between minority and majority identities

   

• Will develop a critical awareness of multicultural and anti-racist values

   

·         Introduction to key concepts - the historical and political meanings of race, ethnicity, nationalism;

·          An exploration of the migration process - refugee migrations, asylum seekers and the role of the state; religion and migration; gender and migration

·         Theoretical perspectives to the study of majority/ minority identities including Postcolonial Theory; Black and white feminism;

·          Popular Culture and new ethnicities; Rastafarianism; ethnicity, hybridity and musical forms

11 lectures and 11 seminars

Ali, N, V. S. Kalra and S.  Sayyid (2006) A Postcolonial People: South Asians in Britain, Hurst and Company.

Back, L. (2007) The Art of Listening, Berg Publishers

Brah, A. (1996) Cartographies of Disapora: Contesting Identities, Routledge.

Gilroy, P. (1987) There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack, Routledge.

Hesse, B. (ed.) (2000) Un/Settled Multiculturalisms: Diasporas, Entanglements, Transruptions, Zed Books.

Petersson, B. and Tyler, K. (2008) Majority Cultures and the Everyday Politics of Ethnic Difference, Palgrave.