MA-MPhil Courses

MIST 601: THEORIES AND TYPOLOGIES OF MIGRATION

The course introduces students to the basic theories, models and typologies of migration. It adopts a pluralistic approach, introducing students to existing theories and models and examines typologies of migration from spatial and temporal dimensions. It is structured around the different spatial levels (micro-meso-macro), migration processes (cause; actual migration; adaptation/integration; return; consequences) and multi-disciplinary perspectives (geography, economic, anthropology/sociology and demography). Migration is examined as both an international as well as an internal process with interlinked dynamics.

MIST 602 LEGAL AND POLICY ASPECTS OF MIGRATION

Students will be introduced to the main theoretical and legal issues in the study of migration and be equipped with knowledge of key themes and approaches to the movement of people. Within this overall framework, attention will be given to  the legal regimes and practices around immigration in Ghana, Africa, and other parts of the world; the multilateral, bilateral, regional and international agreements on migration; migration policies, processes and procedures; overview of visa systems, asylum and  citizenship; regulatory institutions and bodies; and migrant/host community relationships. 

MIST 603 – MIGRATION, SOCIAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT

The course focuses on the socio-cultural transformations that underlie migration and those resulting from the process of migration. It begins with the definition of some basic concepts and terminologies, theoretical and conceptual overview of migration, socio-cultural processes and development. The rest of the course examine migration processes at global, regional and national (Ghana) levels, with emphasis on the social and development determinants and consequences as well as historical perspectives of some of the processes; and changing family formations and dynamics, intergenerational relations, gender and gender relations, as well as changing funeral and religious practices, human trafficking and child labour.

MIST 604: MIGRATION AND POPULATION DYNAMICS

It seeks to equip students with more advanced tools for analysing migration and its contribution to population dynamics. It introduces students to the perspectives for studying spatial mobility. It then follows with methods of estimation of internal migration. The link between migration and the other components of population change will then be explored. At the contextual level, students will be assisted to relate population dynamics to political, economic and social processes to examine migration impacts on the source and destination regions and on the migrants and persons left behind.

MIST 605: RESEARCH METHODS IN MIGRATION STUDIES

This course provides students with relevant knowledge on collecting and interpreting data in the social sciences. It provides students with a clear understanding of how to think through in identifying and presenting a statement of the research problem and further takes them through the whole scientific process of undertaking social science research in general and migration studies in particular. Research methods discussed include quantitative and qualitative methods leading to multi-strategy research. The course addresses the cross-disciplinary perspectives and methods in data collection and sampling.

MIST 606: METHODS IN MIGRATION RESEARCH

The focus of this course is on the methodology for studying mobility, migration, migrants (including irregular migrant populations) and the impact of migration. The emphasis will be on qualitative and mixed research methods. Attention will be given to the distinctive nature of the field of human migration and its specific challenges and needs as the third component of population dynamics. Attention is also paid to major theoretical (ontological, epistemological) and ethical issues of migration research. There will be theoretical and practical components to facilitate research design, field practice and analysis of data, including the use of computer software programmes.

MIST607: TOPICAL ISSUES IN FORCED MIGRATION

Using multi-disciplinary approaches, this course introduces students to the major theoretical perspectives and historical trajectories of forced migration, focusing special attention on contemporary mediating issues, debates, policy directions, and the rise of forced migration as part of global politics, as well as an area of intense academic and intellectual interest. In part, the course is designed to examine the degree to which rights are inherent in human identity and the primary factors that define, promote, protect, or violate the rights of people especially when they are forced out of their countries of origin.

MIST 608: MIGRATION, GLOBALISATION AND DEVELOPMENT

This course focuses on the intricate and reciprocal relationship between the processes of migration, globalisation and development. It examines the complex and bi-directional relations between migration and development, with special emphasis on the social, cultural, economic and political implications for origin countries. It seeks to enable students proactively explore key questions such as: What is the nexus between migration and development? How does migration affect the broader processes of economic, cultural, and political change? It also applies and relates to concepts such as transnationalism, institutional constraints, agency and networks in examining remittances, impact of migration on sending and receiving countries.

MIST 609 TRANSNATIONAL MIGRATION AND DIASPORAS

This course gives conceptual and working definitions of trans-nationalism to include the variety of perspectives that examine the interconnectedness of migrant communities across space and time; between migrant origins and destinations and within their diasporas. It examines the debate about the “newness” and/or ‘otherwise’ and the usefulness of the transnational framework for conceptualising and understanding human mobility and migrant subjectivities.  The role of the state in theorising on trans-nationalism is accorded special focus in which the examination of trans-nationalism as a gendered experience is explored.

MIST 611 LABOUR MIGRATIONS IN AFRICA

This course will trace the historical development of labour migrations in Africa, emphasizing the role of colonialism. The forces behind these movements will be examined in light of the changing political, economic and social climates. The influence of the various regional bodies such as ECOWAS, East African Economic Community, South African Development Community, etc in shaping the direction and magnitude of labour migrations in Africa will also be discussed. This allows for an in-depth assessment of the general trends and patterns of movements within the continent.

MIST 612: GENDER AND MIGRATION

This course highlights gender issues in the migratory process at many levels: interpersonal, household, community, nation-state and the global economy. The course draws on historical and contemporary material from different regions in the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas to explore the following topics: patterns of migration and the decision to migrate - the power of gender to determine who migrates; domestic labour and care work; men without women, and women without men in new migrant destinations, and those left behind at home;  and globalization, gender and migration.

MIST 614: MIGRATION AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

This Course explores the nexus between migration and international security with a focus on promoting global peace and security. In contemporary times and in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America in September 2001, migrants have been presented as threat to national security, and new laws and policies have been enacted to deal with a perceived immigration threat. The course also focuses on trends in international migration, including economic, social, demographic, political, and other factors that influence population movements. International Conventions and treaties relating to the treatment of migrant communities and refugees will be examined.