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Migration, Borders and the Politics of Belonging

Key information

  • Module code:

    5SSES040

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This course critically examines the relationships between migration and different conceptions of borders and belonging. It will pay particular attention to how borders and bordering practices are created, what they symbolise, and the consequences for our everyday lives and interactions. The module will take a critical approach to border and migrations and explore these phenomena in relation to wider labour regimes in racial capitalism, new surveillance technologies and state securitisation. It will consider more radical, social justice-oriented and abolitionist approaches to the study of migration and borders.

As part of their assessment, students are asked to design and conduct a research portfolio on migration and borders.

Assessment details

  • Assessment 1: Research portfolio proposal and reflective commentary on ethics and methodology (30%)
  • Assessment 2: Portfolio project 1,800 words (70%)

Educational aims & objectives

This course aims to critically examine the relationships between migration and different conceptions of borders and belonging. Through a range of conceptual and empirical topics the module will enable students to:

1) Critically analyse the relationships between migration, borders, and belonging in contemporary contexts.

2) Explain how borders and bordering practices are constructed, what they symbolise, and how they shape everyday life and social interactions.

3) Evaluate border and migration processes in relation to wider labour regimes within racial capitalism, as well as the roles of surveillance technologies and state securitisation.

4) Engage with and apply radical, social justice-oriented, and abolitionist perspectives to the study of migration and borders.


Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.