070219 UE Foreign Languages in Historical Science 1 (2014W)

This course focuses on various European migration systems as well as on identity projects and diversity management in a transatlantic context from the 19th to the 20th century. Regional mobility was always an integral and regular part of a relatively stable social and economic order. The majority of migrants moved across short distances: only a few crossed provincial or international borders, and transatlantic migration remained something of an exception. From the mid 19th century onwards, during the process of industrialization and urbanization, traditional forms of short distance and seasonal mobility increased, while new patterns of transnational migration emerged. The 20th century marks a profound reversal of human movement in Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world. However, it was not only people who moved. With people travelled their identity projects and became subject to profound transformation as well as vessels for the global circulation of discourse on identity. Reading in this course will explore central themes in understanding various European migration patterns and the mobilizations of identity and link them to a more global approach, especially via transatlantic migration to the Americas. Issues to be addressed will include economic, social, occupational, family, demographic, and institutional as well as political structures.
The broad aims of the course are to provide the students with an in-depth knowledge of European migration structures within the complex and long-term process by which both rural and urban societies were transformed during modernity. The readings will be examined to identify the main historical themes, methodology and approaches taken in the reconstruction of various regional mobility patterns and identity constructions. As an outcome of the course, it is expected that students will have a broad overview of the literature on European migration and identity, and comment and criticize it within historical research.