M11: Migration Studies & Diaspora Research
Migration Studies refers to the interdisciplinary academic field that examines the causes, forms, and consequences of migration and displacement. It analyzes historical and contemporary migratory movements, as well as their social, cultural, political, economic, and legal dimensions, and investigates the impact of migration on individuals, communities, and societies.
Diaspora Research is the interdisciplinary academic discipline that studies the emergence, structure, and dynamics of diaspora communities. It analyzes processes of migration, identity formation, memory, and transnationality, as well as the interactions between regions of origin and host contexts from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Migrationsstudien & Diasporaforschung im Masterstudiengang MA Eastern Christian Studies
The module M11: Migration Studies & Diaspora Research consists of three learning units:
- M11.1: Culture and Religion in Migration Processes (0.5 ECTS)
- M11.2: Global Orthodoxies (2 ECTS)
- M11.3: Migration, Religion, Society (1.5 ECTS)
The required assessment (Leistungsnachweis) is a portfolio (1 ECTS).
The module comprises a total of 5 ECTS.
Course Content
- Historical and contemporary migratory movements in the regions of the Middle East, the Caucasus, North Africa, and Eastern Europe
- Emergence and development of Eastern Christian diaspora communities in Europe, America, Africa, and Australia
- Theological, ecclesial, and cultural dimensions of migration and diaspora in the context of the Christian East
- Migration, identity, and religious affiliation: Transformation processes in liturgy, language, and community structure
- Religion as a resource for social cohesion, cultural continuity, and interreligious understanding
- Empirical and theoretical approaches in migration and diaspora research (e.g., transnationalism, memory studies, hybridity, Global Christianity)
- Methods of qualitative and quantitative research in ecclesial and cultural settings
- Analysis of ecclesial, social, and charitable initiatives of Eastern Christian communities in the diaspora
- Interactions between migration, politics, religion, and society
- Current challenges and perspectives of Eastern Christian identity in a global context
Learning Objectives and Competences
- Students possess in-depth knowledge of historical and current migratory movements within the context of the Churches of the Christian East.
- They understand the social, cultural, political, and religious causes and consequences of migration, displacement, and diaspora formation in the regions of the Middle East, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and the global diaspora.
- They are able to analyze historical and contemporary forms of Eastern Christian presence in the diaspora and interpret them within the field of tension between integration, identity preservation, and cultural transformation.
- They are familiar with theoretical approaches and methods of migration and diaspora research (e.g., transnationalism, hybridity, memory studies, Global Christianity) and can apply these to Eastern Christian contexts.
- They are capable of empirically and hermeneutically examining ecclesial, liturgical, social, and cultural forms of expression in diaspora communities.
- They can reflect on the influence of migration on ecclesial identity, theology, pastoral care, liturgy, and community structures.
- They recognize the importance of religion and the church as resources for social stability, cultural self-positioning, and interreligious understanding in migration processes.
- They confidently apply interdisciplinary methods (e.g., from sociology, ethnology, religious studies, theology, and cultural studies).
- They are capable of critically evaluating qualitative and quantitative data from field research, interviews, church documents, or migration statistics.
- They develop sensitivity to the pastoral, cultural, and political challenges faced by Eastern Christian communities in the diaspora.
- They can present research findings on migration and diaspora in the field of the Christian East in a reflected manner, both in writing and orally, and contribute them to academic or social discourses.
M11.1: Culture and Religion in Migration Processes
Course Instructor
N. N.
Academic Cycle and Workload
The learning unit is offered in the winter semester. It comprises 0.5 SWS (= 0.25 ECTS) of digital self-directed learning and an equivalent amount of independent preparation and follow-up time (= 0.25 ECTS).
M11.2: Global Orthodoxies
Course Instructor
N. N.
Academic Cycle and Workload
The learning unit is offered in the winter semester. It comprises 2 SWS (= 1 ECTS) of digital self-directed learning (including synchronous meetings) and an equivalent amount of independent preparation and follow-up time (= 1 ECTS).
M11.3: Migration, Religion, Society
Course Instructor
N. N.
Academic Cycle and Workload
The learning unit is offered in the winter semester. It comprises 1.5 SWS (= 0.75 ECTS) of digital self-directed learning and an equivalent amount of independent preparation and follow-up time (= 0.75 ECTS).
