Course coordinator
Associate Professor Gerhard Hoffstaedter
9-10am Wednesdays via zoom, or by appointment
Zoom details will be available in the first lecture and on blackboard.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
In this course students will learn how to apply anthropological skills and toolkits to address contemporary challenges relating to migration and current world issues, including displacement and forced migration. The experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, guest workers, astronaut families, displaced peoples, indigenous people, settlers, and colonists among others will inform our understanding of historical and contemporary migration and provide a grounding in the anthropological studies of migration and identity.
This course will examine diverse forms of human migration from an anthropological perspective. This course employs a range of active learning techniques that will require your active participation, leadership and engagement with the course materials. We will address not just anthropological knowledge production on migration issues but also the policy implications and the role anthropologists have and continue to play in addressing them.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, some anthropological/sociological grounding from 1st year is beneficial. Especially ANTH1008 and/or ANTH1030 will be helpful for the course.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
2 units Level 1 SOCY or ANTH course
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SOCY2210
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries School of Social Science
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Gerhard Hoffstaedter
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email the School of Social Science Administration Team at student.socsci@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details: full name, student ID, and course code.
Aims and outcomes
The broad aims of this course are for each student to gain:
- An understanding of the diversity and complexity of human migration experiences;
- A broad understanding of different approaches to migration, culture and identity as a field of anthropological inquiry;
- Theoretical knowledge in the discipline of anthropology relating to the study of migration, culture and identity;
- An ability to critically evaluate anthropological models and arguments in relation to the study of migration;
- High level (undergraduate) critical research, writing and presentation skills.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the complexity of migration experiences, and understand the meaning and significance of key concepts in the field such as ethnicity, migration, nation, nationalism, race and transnationalism;
LO2.
Apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge acquired in this course in relation to various social and cultural contexts, and develop critical thinking and the ability to analytically conceptualise social problems.
LO3.
Discuss, write about and apply methodological and theoretical approaches to migration, culture and identity.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection |
Weekly critical summaries of readings
|
20% |
5/08/2025 - 28/10/2025 |
| Presentation |
Individual presentation
|
40% |
19/08/2025 - 21/10/2025
1st presentation will be prepared and delivered in week 4 Seminar, the 2nd presentation in the following weeks. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Major Essay
|
40% 2000 Words |
31/10/2025 12:00 pm |
Assessment details
Weekly critical summaries of readings
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
5/08/2025 - 28/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Tutorial Reading Summaries:
Students must submit a short 1 page (200-250 word) piece of written work to demonstrate an engagement with that week's topic to be submitted to the lecturer in the seminar.
There are eleven weeks of seminars for this task, but students only need to submit eight summaries (the student chooses which eight). The final week can be used as a catch up.
The summaries can take one of two forms:
- A summary and critical discussion of one of that week's readings (as listed on Blackboard). OR
- A summary and discussion of a newspaper story from recent months which relates to the week's topic. The discussion will need to draw out ideas and themes from the readings/lecture and be clearly relevant to the topic. A copy of the newspaper article must be attached to the student's summary.
Students can do any mix of reading and newspaper summaries as long as they provide one or the other in each seminar.
Each summary is worth 2.5% of the student's overall grade and is marked as pass/fail.
NB. Formal feedback is not provided on these written summaries.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course
AI Use: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Additional resources are available through UQ AI Student Hub.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted to the lecturer in class in the Seminar Weeks 2 - 13 inclusive.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Individual presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
19/08/2025 - 21/10/2025
1st presentation will be prepared and delivered in week 4 Seminar, the 2nd presentation in the following weeks.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
You'll create two short presentations using the Ignite format to share key insights from migration anthropology research. This assignment develops your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, an essential skill for your studies and career.
Ignite is a presentation style used by academics to engage general audiences. Your presentations will use 12 slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds for a total of 3 minutes. There's no stopping or going back once you start. The slides should be image-focused with minimal text, and you'll present live in class whilst being recorded via Echo360. Each presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with the class.
For your research phase, you'll read assigned journal articles and book chapters on migration anthropology, then choose one specific focus to highlight, such as a particular theorist, migration history in one country, or a specific migration practice. We'll discuss topic options in the first seminar. You'll then present during the week that matches your chosen topic, focusing on transmitting crucial information both verbally and visually, and prepare for follow-up questions from the class.
You'll complete two presentations this semester. The first presentation is worth 15% of your final grade and is due in the week 4 seminar, and the second presentation is worth 25%. Due dates for the latter will be negotiated in the first two weeks of semester. This assignment teaches you to synthesise complex academic material, communicate clearly under time constraints, use visual storytelling effectively, and present confidently to an audience.
Format details will be covered in the first seminar.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
AI Use: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted in class
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Major Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 2000 Words
- Due date
31/10/2025 12:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Essay 2000 words 40%
The major piece of assessment for this course is the research essay. This assessment task is an opportunity for you to explore a particular issue in greater depth. The essay questions from which you may choose will be displayed on blackboard. These questions will cover a range of themes and issues dealt with over the duration of this course. You are expected to undertake additional, independent research for this task, that is to say that only utilising the essential and recommended sources will not be sufficient to pass this assessment.
We will discuss this in week 1 and have an essay writing workshop before mid semester week devoted to essay writing skills. The process will be scaffolded and we will discuss essay drafts and essay arguments throughout the semester.
**You may devise your own essay question, but this must be formulated and approved by the course coordinator in writing by week 8.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
AI Use: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Additional resources are available through UQ AI Student Hub.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
The final grade is determined by adding together the sum of all individual assessment tasks.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional learning resources will be shared on blackboard, make sure you log on often and stay up to date with course announcements.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Introduction to ANTH2270 An introduction to the course including an overview of course content, assessment requirements, expectations and expected outcomes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Race, Ethnicity and Migration Anthropological views on race, ethnicity and its impact on migration Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Drawing Borders Nationalism and Migration Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Ignite presentation Seminar We will all work on our first Ignite talk this week and present them in class. See assessment folder for more information. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Human Smuggling and Trafficking The legal, political and social dimensions of people smuggling and trafficking Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
Lives in Limbo Refugee and Asylum Seeker Experiences Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Essay writing Seminar Hands on writing, critical thinking and reading skills mentoring as well as essay question discussion. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
Settler Colonialism: Indigenous/settler relations Essay writing seminar Hands on writing, critical thinking and reading skills mentoring as well as essay question discussion. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
A Nation of Immigrants: The Australian migration experience Also bring your first draft, get advice and feedback on the essay and its direction. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Public holiday Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
The Anthropology of Multiculturalism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Remaking Home Place and Identity in the Age of Migration Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
Migration, culture and identity: Conclusions Review and conclusions Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.