OAMI 2140 - Economics of International Migration

This course provides an overview of international migration, focusing on the approaches and methods used by economists to understand this phenomenon. After discussing the policy environment in which international migration takes place, we will examine the economic perspective on the determinants of migration. We will then analyse how the impacts of international migration are distributed among different groups, including migrants themselves and non-migrants in origin and destination countries. Particular attention will be paid to some of the contemporary challenges of international migration and migrants’ integration: the relationship between immigration and social justice, public opinion about immigration in host societies, the integration challenges of refugees, the involvement of diasporas in origin countries and the implications of climate change for human mobility.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the theories and concepts used by economists to analyse international migration .
• Understand the main policy issues regarding international migration and migrants’ integration ;
• Understand and assess empirical research about migration and integration issues;

Professional Skills

Drafting policy brief and/or empirical work

Research and analysis

Critical thinking

Some knowledge of economics (theories and quantitative methods) will be useful, as well as a willingness to engage with academic research, both theoretical and empirical.

Written feedback on the main assessments. Immediate feedback will be provided in class for participation to discussions.<br<

• In-class summary of one of the readings and introduction to class discussion OR short policy/data brief on a topic chosen by the student from a pre-defined list. Individual work; 35% of final grade.
• Class presentations: study groups of three students each will: (i) choose a topic, (ii) select 3 to 6 significant pieces of academic or policy literature on this topic, (iii) convey their own reading/discussion sessions, (iv) carry out additional analyses as needed (iv) and present their results, summarising the main issues and findings. Topic and readings will be validated by the professor. Group project; 60% of final grade. The presentations will take place during the last three sessions.
• Class participation: 5% of final grade.<br<

Attendance: 24 hours per semester

• Reading and Preparation for Class: 36 hours per semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 60 hours per semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 30 hours per semester