Immigration Policies
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Knowledge and ability to understand
The course aims at offering the knowledge and ability to understand the main features of migration policies. It focuses on three areas: policies of immigration (entry and residence), the policies for migrants (integration and citizenship), and local policies.
The course will also consider some specific issues: entry policies, irregular immigration, asylum, multiculturalism, and citizenship.
Applied knowledge
Applied knowledge for addressing the critical analysis of the main questions of migration policies.
Developing the ability to understand the forms of civic stratification of the resident population (from full citizens to unauthorized sojourners) and of the inequalities in the distribution of mobility rights across borders.
The course aims at offering the knowledge and ability to understand the main features of migration policies. It focuses on three areas: policies of immigration (entry and residence), the policies for migrants (integration and citizenship), and local policies.
The course will also consider some specific issues: entry policies, irregular immigration, asylum, multiculturalism, and citizenship.
Applied knowledge
Applied knowledge for addressing the critical analysis of the main questions of migration policies.
Developing the ability to understand the forms of civic stratification of the resident population (from full citizens to unauthorized sojourners) and of the inequalities in the distribution of mobility rights across borders.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will develop the ability to understand the forms of civic stratification of the resident population (from full citizens to unauthorized sojourners) and of the inequalities in the distribution of mobility rights across borders. Students will also acquire a stronger attitude to independent thinking and skills for continuing research in this field of study.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
The course examines the main categories, concepts and policy instruments used to regulate international migration in contemporary Europe. It begins by discussing the definitions of migration and mobility, the construction of migrant categories, and the statistical tools used to measure migration processes.
The course then analyses the principal immigration policy regimes governing family migration, student migration, labour migration, privileged mobility, humanitarian protection, irregular migration, long-term residence and naturalisation. Particular attention is devoted to asylum systems, border control, externalisation policies, trafficking and smuggling, and the different pathways through which migrants gain access to legal status, rights and membership.
A further section focuses on the implementation of immigration policies and on the actors involved in migration governance, including public administrations, street-level bureaucrats, migration intermediaries, non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups.
The final part of the course explores the relationship between immigration policies and broader social institutions, examining how welfare systems, educational institutions, healthcare services and labour market regulation respond to migration-related challenges. Throughout the course, examples and case studies are primarily drawn from Italy and other European countries in a comparative perspective.
The course then analyses the principal immigration policy regimes governing family migration, student migration, labour migration, privileged mobility, humanitarian protection, irregular migration, long-term residence and naturalisation. Particular attention is devoted to asylum systems, border control, externalisation policies, trafficking and smuggling, and the different pathways through which migrants gain access to legal status, rights and membership.
A further section focuses on the implementation of immigration policies and on the actors involved in migration governance, including public administrations, street-level bureaucrats, migration intermediaries, non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups.
The final part of the course explores the relationship between immigration policies and broader social institutions, examining how welfare systems, educational institutions, healthcare services and labour market regulation respond to migration-related challenges. Throughout the course, examples and case studies are primarily drawn from Italy and other European countries in a comparative perspective.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required beyond those necessary for admission to the Master's degree programme. Basic knowledge of social sciences, political institutions and contemporary migration processes may facilitate participation in the course. Proficiency in English is required, as lectures and course materials will be entirely delivered in English.
Teaching methods
The course combines lectures, guided discussions, workshops and research-based learning activities. Lectures introduce the main concepts, policy frameworks and comparative perspectives needed to understand contemporary immigration policies in Europe. Students engage with academic literature, policy reports and official documents produced by national, European and international institutions.
Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of migration data and statistics. Students participate in guided workshops using data from Eurostat and other international sources in order to develop skills in the interpretation and comparative analysis of migration indicators.
The course also includes a qualitative research exercise based on semi-structured interviews. Students are guided through the design, implementation and discussion of a small-scale research project exploring migration experiences and administrative pathways.
Additional activities include group presentations and classroom discussions based on comparative policy reports produced by organisations such as the European Migration Network (EMN), OECD and other international institutions.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of migration data and statistics. Students participate in guided workshops using data from Eurostat and other international sources in order to develop skills in the interpretation and comparative analysis of migration indicators.
The course also includes a qualitative research exercise based on semi-structured interviews. Students are guided through the design, implementation and discussion of a small-scale research project exploring migration experiences and administrative pathways.
Additional activities include group presentations and classroom discussions based on comparative policy reports produced by organisations such as the European Migration Network (EMN), OECD and other international institutions.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Course materials include academic articles, book chapters, research reports, policy documents and statistical resources produced by national, European and international institutions. Particular attention will be devoted to the use of official sources and data provided by organisations such as Eurostat, the European Migration Network (EMN), OECD, IOM, UNHCR and the European Commission. All required and supplementary materials will be made available free of charge through the course MyAriel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For attending students, assessment is based on a final written examination and on participation in course activities. Throughout the semester, students will take part in individual and group activities, including the analysis of migration data, a qualitative research exercise based on semi-structured interviews, and group presentations discussing comparative migration policy reports. These activities are designed to develop analytical, methodological and presentation skills and may contribute additional points to the final grade.
The final written examination assesses students' knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course, their ability to analyse immigration policies from a comparative perspective, interpret migration data and policy documents, and apply key concepts and analytical tools to the study of migration governance.
For non-attending students, assessment is based on a final written examination covering the course bibliography and the topics included in the syllabus.
Assessment criteria include: knowledge and understanding of the course contents; ability to analyse and compare immigration policies; ability to critically discuss empirical evidence and policy documents; use of appropriate terminology and concepts; clarity, coherence and analytical depth of written answers.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale.
The final written examination assesses students' knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course, their ability to analyse immigration policies from a comparative perspective, interpret migration data and policy documents, and apply key concepts and analytical tools to the study of migration governance.
For non-attending students, assessment is based on a final written examination covering the course bibliography and the topics included in the syllabus.
Assessment criteria include: knowledge and understanding of the course contents; ability to analyse and compare immigration policies; ability to critically discuss empirical evidence and policy documents; use of appropriate terminology and concepts; clarity, coherence and analytical depth of written answers.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale.
GSPS-08/B - Sociology of Environment and Territory - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Bonizzoni Paola
Professor(s)