'Global Capitalism and Migration' focuses on neoliberalism as the driving force behind contemporary global processes and the impact of these processes on Europe. In the first semester the focus is on neoliberal policies - their nature and effects - and on the resultant changing balance of power between ‘the market’ and ‘the state’. In this global reconfiguration of power and wealth, sites of production have been shifted across borders to more ‘peripheral’ locations, often outside Europe, thus resulting in the movement of people in the reverse direction, that is, to and within the European continent. The second semester looks at such mobility as a key response to neoliberal reforms.
While the two semesters can be treated as separate topics – one on neoliberalism and the other on migration – they are also complementary themes which constitute one module that explores fundamental dimensions of global capitalism and some of the crucial ways in which it has changed the face of contemporary Europe.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the basic aspects of neoliberalism as a set of policies that has changed the balance of power between the market and state with all the implications this has for society;
Develop a critical appreciate of contemporary migration processes and their social, political and economic impact on society;
Evaluate the nature of the interconnectedness between neoliberal policies and transnational migration as 2 interlocking and fundamental aspects of global capitalism;
To develop an ability to think critically about contemporary social processes that shape present day Europe.
Assessment
27334-02 : 1500 Word Article Review : Coursework (30%)
27334-03 : 3000 Word Essay : Coursework (70%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 1,500 word article review (30%) 1 x 3,000 word visual essay (70%)