International migration is one of the most important phenomena driving urban, community, economic, and human development. This course focuses on the ways that migrants and community, government, and private institutions work to influence development around the world. We explore a range of large- and small-scale economic development, human and community development.
After a brief introduction to histories and theories of migration and development, our major themes include: 1) the work of institutions, governments, and private sector firms in sending and receiving nations that influence migration and development; 2) diaspora-led transnational development, including remittances, hometown and country associations, and transnational advocacy and community organizing; and 3) local revitalization, labor and housing markets, workforce and enterprise development in migrant-receiving settings.
Readings are drawn from a variety of social sciences, planning and development studies, including from academia and practice. Guests from local and transnational development organizations will visit the class. Assignments include short papers on the readings and a research paper or project designed by each student in consultation with the instructor.
Ultimately, the course aims to help students develop: 1) a broad knowledge of migration and development in geographic and institutional settings around the world; 2) an in-depth understanding of community and economic development practices in migrant sending and receiving communities; and 3) familiarity with social science approaches to evaluating the dynamics and impacts of migration and development.
This class is taught every other year.
Refer to Penn Course Search for the official roster and details of courses offered in a particular term.
