234010 VO Migration, Urbanisation and Spatial Distribution (2025W)

Aims;- to gain understanding of migration concepts, migration and urbanization theories, the main past and current migration trends globally and in Europe- understanding of migration as one of the main forces of demographic change (with respect to population size, distribution and characteristics)- to learn about key migration measures and data sources- to understand the relation between migration and sustainable developmentContents:The lecture introduces the main (internal and international) migration concepts and definitions, disciplinary approaches to migration; discusses migration drivers; provides a synthesis of the key conceptual and theoretical frameworks of international migration at macro, meso and micro level (push and pull models, neo-classical approach; political economy models; new economics models and dual labour market theory; the role of networks). The course covers key issues in international migration and urbanization research with respect to population change, sustainable development and environmental change (among others). Participants will be familiarized with definitions of different types of migration, the main sources of migration data and will learn how to calculate basic migration indicators. The participants will learn about history of migration globally and within Europe and emerging and future migration trends will be discussed. A dedicated lecture introduces urbanization dynamics and theories (including migration transition model) and discusses causes and consequences of urbanization from demographic perspective.Method:The content will be presented in form of a lecture, the lectures will alternate. In addition, participants are expected to read the papers and book chapters from the mandatory reading list. Controversial questions will be discussed interactively during the lectures.The detailed lecture programme will be presented in the first lecture unit and will be accessible via the Moodle learning platform