PhD Courses
MIST 701: Theories of Migration
This course is designed to introduce students to the main theories of migration. The course will examine the relevant theories for examining the micro, meso and macro aspects of migration in global, national and and other contexts. In order to emphasize the course plurality, a historical and interdisciplinary perspective is adopted. Relevant case-studies will be examined as a means of illustrating the use of empirical and theoretical tools in the process of analyzing the movement of people. As part of this course, each student will be required to submit a term paper written on the theories underpinning his/her research project.
MIST 702: Legal and Policy Dimensions of Migration
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the main legal and policy issues associated with the movement of people from one place to another. It seeks to provide students with the skills needed to develop solutions to problems concerning unauthorized migration, legal immigration and forced migration. By the end of the course, students should be able to analyse how government laws and policies influence migration patterns. Specifically, topics to be studied include: International legal framework governing migration; visa systems, forced migration (Internally Displaced Persons, Seeking Asylum, Refugee etc); Citizenship and Integration, formulation and implementation of migration and diaspora policies; and migrant/host community relationships. A practical component is included, with visit to institutions and organizations to enable students to have empirical experience of what is taught in the classroom.
MIST 703: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
The course will introduce students to practical ways of conceptualizing, collecting and analyzing research information or data. Course participants will be taught and expected to have a clear understanding of the epistemological underpinnings of quantitative techniques and how these can be applied in the study of migration research. The following topics will be covered: key concepts in quantitative research methods, sampling and elementary data analysis, conceptualizing relationships and measuring associations (frequency distributions, hypothesis testing, correlations etc), univariate and multivariate regression analysis, cross sectional survey research (questionnaires, sample responses issues, missing data etc), multiple indicators in social science research, pathway analysis and causal analysis, simple and multiple factor experiments, analyzing categorical variables, aggregate data analysis and time series data.
MIST 704 Qualitative Research Methodologies
This course examines the various qualitative research methods and approaches that can be applied to investigate migration phenomena, patterns and processes. Students are expected to have a solid understanding of the epistemological underpinnings of the qualitative research methods as well as acquire skills for migration research. The course shall therefore combine instruction on theory and concepts with practical application for the acquisition of research skills for migration research based on qualitative research methods. Several hands-on practical sessions will be done in the classroom. Field work shall also be an important component of the course.
MIST 705: Demographic Processes, Social Dynamics and Migration
This course examines the Global South-Global North migration as a characteristic aspect of the demographic processes in the two global regions: movements from the Global South as response to the effects/implications of the demographic transition of the Global North. It focuses on the social dynamics that have accompanied the unique demographic processes taking place in the two regions, specifically the emergence of a global child care and elderly industry, transnational child care arrangements, the role of intersectionality in the development of these industries and arrangements, the associated emerging human rights/public policy issues, among others.
MIST 706: Migration and Development
This course introduces students to the inter-relationship between migration and development. It analyzes the shifts in the migration and development debate in relation with the broader social and development theories to which they have been associated. It will examine the traditional opposing views (pessimistic and optimistic views) and help students integrate a more pluralistic (structure and agency) perspective in addressing the complexities of migration and development. More specifically, students will understand the constraints, opportunities and policy implications of migration and development in a globalizing world. New dimensions on the inter-relationship between migration and development such as human rights approach to the understanding of migration impacts on migrants and their families and origin communities will be examined.
MIST 707: Contemporary Issues in Forced Migration
The primary objective of this course is to provide graduate students with the framework and fundamentals of forced migration, the legal tools, and the knowledge of its practical dimensions. The 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. The course will draw on international and comparative case study approaches to situate the phenomenon of forced migration in both theoretical and empirical analysis.
MIST 708 Gender, Migration and Development
This course is designed to assist students in sharpening their knowledge about gender issues in the migratory process at various levels- individual, family, community, national and international. The course explores the following topics: experiences and integration of both men and women at destination countries; gender and occupational shifts and related social mobility; development, migration and the changing roles of men and women in the household; globalization, issues of sexuality and notions of risk; human trafficking and sex work; impacts of restrictive policies on gender relations and the family; and globalization, gender and migration, globalization, development and migration. The course will also focus on Ghana’s experience of international and internal migration and their gendered implications. The policy implications of the gendered issues in migration will be discussed. A practical component of the course will include visits to sites such as the shelter for rescued trafficked children, refugee camps and religious facilities where gender issues in migration can be explored.
MIST 709 Advanced Labour Migration Studies
The course provides students with an understanding of the determinants, processes and impacts of international labour migration on receiving countries, migrants and their countries of origin, the relationship between migrants, markets and the state including discussions of political economy, ethics and rights and on government policy responses to regular and irregular migration.
MIST 710 Environmental Change and Migration
This course examines migration in the context of global environmental change. Students will be exposed to the debates on the existence of climate change at the global level. The complex relationships between changes in various climatic variables and events (i.e. rainfall, temperature, flooding) and migration trends will be examined. Using relevant case studies from Ghana and other parts of the world, the nexus between various forms of environmental degradation and migration will also be assessed. The course will also provide a review of migration in national climate change adaptation programmes of action.