A Very British History of Migration

What is the course about?

Taking a critical historical approach, this course charts how migration has shaped British politics, law, culture and society – and helped transform popular ideas about what it means to be British today.

Over five sessions, we’ll examine how selective restrictions and allowances of people have cemented hierarchies of “good” citizens and threatening outsiders. Together, we’ll explore analytical texts by key migration scholars (including feminist, queer and postcolonial theorists) alongside primary sources (such as Bills, parliamentary debates and contemporary news reports) to shed light on contemporary constructions of deviance, productivity, vulnerability, borders and other dividing lines.

By the end of the course, you will feel confident explaining how geopolitics, economics, moral panics, xenophobia and other prejudices shape imagined nations and very real immigration policies – with implications and legacies still felt today.

What will we cover?

- Constructing the nation; establishing the Empire
- War, deviants and moral panics
- (Re)building Britain: rethinking ‘economic migration’
- No refuge?
- Crossings, resistance, solidarity – then and now.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• demonstrate familiarity with British history, law and policies as it relates to migration
• understand borders and nationalism as constructed through discourse, law, policy and other operations of power
• analyse media and legislative texts (i.e. government Acts and Bills) from an informed perspective
• understand and explain key ideas and terms from critical migration studies and postcolonial theory
• cite historical evidence when discussing migration.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to everyone, but will appeal especially to those keen to reflect critically on borders, migration, and British identity. No particular knowledge of migration law is necessary – we will explore that together. This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.

However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and willingness to learn from others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Sessions will use mixed methods, including lecture-style presentations, individual writing in response to short prompts, small group work and whole class discussion. We will review and together analyse media clips, primary sources and short excerpts of accessible academic texts. Optional text extracts will be available each week for students keen to dig deeper into concepts outside of the classroom. Students will sharing their own historically and theoretically informed perspectives at the end of the course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no extra costs, all you need to bring is a note pad and pen if you want to take notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Your tutor will share related courses with you. Please also explore our politics, economics and current affairs sections for additional courses.