Why are some emboldened to make migrants scapegoats for discomforts like congested public transport? How might one respond to “Go back to your own country!” Who are deemed the ‘right’ kind of migrants? This course equips students to identify and make sense of the complex opportunities and challenges generated by contemporary migration in Asia and beyond. Students will gain skills of critical analysis by interrogating migration issues from multiple perspectives including academic, public debates, and governmental. Through guided ethnographies, students will experientially examine the impacts of impersonal migration regimes on the multidimensional, everyday lives of both migrants and non-migrants alike.
Student Reviews
Anonymous (1) AY25/26 Sem 2
About the Instructor
My professor facilitated class discussions rather effectively, ensuring some level of participation despite the seminars being early in the morning. I felt encouraged and empowered to participate in class, referring frequently to the class readings to phrase my thoughts. My professor also openly provided many useful consultations. However, I did not really internalise a lot of the technical terminology and concepts around migration because the professor conveyed it in a way mostly understandable to a highly academic audience.
Content (Structure/Organization)
I find that the curriculum is meticulously structured and gives a comprehensive picture of different kinds of migration in different sociocultural contexts. For me, I achieved the learning objective of broadening my horizons and awareness. I found the literature review assignment and research project taxing to complete, having to repeatedly stress-test my assumptions and emphasise the main ideas of my writing.
Manageability of Workload
The workload is on the heavier side, with 2 readings of approximately 40 pages each assigned for each week. You are required to comment on these readings and understand about 80% of the main ideas before coming to class, then after the class pose a discussion question on the class Canvas thread. There is a final research project with 30% weightage, a literature review assignment with 15% weightage, a media analysis assignment with 15% weightage, and an ethnography assignment with 15% weightage.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades
Getting an A in this course requires long hours of research and consultation. It also requires actively engaging with guest speakers and sharing your ideas in class.
Learning Value/Recommendation
I learnt so much more about the challenges faced by student migrants, foreign domestic workers, and migrant construction workers, which are more common than I expected. I also gained unique insight into transnational families, where the breadwinners of the family are living and working abroad while the dependents remain in their home country. I even honed my ethnographic observation skills, broadening my capabilities to the social sciences.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice
Be ready with a topic you are passionate about - you will be spending a lot of time developing these ideas!