Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

We are living in extraordinary times, characterised by both mobility and immobility, and resulting in increasingly transnational lives. Even people who do not move are often members of transnational networks of work, family, and friendship relations that require us to live our lives both on- and off-line. And yet, while unprecedented numbers of people are on the move, both within and across national borders, there are growing limits and controls on certain types of movement. In this unit, we explore different types of mobilities, and their limits, to better understand their impact on our personal experiences and our collective communities. Asylum seekers and refugees flee civil war and political repression, undertaking forced migration and illegal border crossings, often culminating in exile and mass displacement. Migrants, who are increasingly women, move for labour and career opportunities, often on temporary visas that can easily result in precarious status and interrupted lives. Young people are among the most mobile as the traditional transitions to adulthood are replaced by mobility aspirations and imperatives. Older people are among the least mobile, but face particular challenges growing old in such uncertain times.

The unit aims to familiarise students with a range of theoretical perspectives on ethnicity and identity, citizenship and belonging, family life and social relations. Students are introduced to key methodological tools including network analysis and online methods. The unit also provides students with insights into the range of skills and knowledge necessary to apply their social science training to migrant and refugee-related issues. It encourages students to think about career options, professional development and transferable skills while providing a theoretical grounding in refugee, transnational migration and mobility studies.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Not available in 2024OnlineOnline timetabled
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an ability to discuss key ideas in the study of migration, refugees and transnational lives; (2) demonstrate an ability to analyse key issues related to the study of migration, refugees and transnational lives in clear, well-supported written arguments; (3) demonstrate an ability to apply key methods related to the study of migration, refugees and transnational lives, for example, social network analysis; and (4) demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in the study of migration, refugees and transnational lives.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) an in-class test; and (3) tutorial and workshop participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Prerequisites
any Level 1 ANTH unit
Incompatibility
HUMA2236 Refugees and Human Rights
Contact hours
up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.