Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence (MA)

Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence general programme

The key subject of this specialisation is Inequality (at local, national and global levels). We study this from an intersectional perspective: gender, class, ethnicity or race, religion, sexuality, age, ability/disability, citizenship and legal status. We study these categories of power and identity in connection to each other and not separately. We therefore do not have - for instance - a separate course on gender. We think that how societies deal with one form of diversity - for instance gender - is related to other forms of diversity, such as class, ethnicity, religion, sexuality etcetera.

Application

How to apply for this track:

Go to Studielink
Select ‘MA History’ and continue the application procedure
When asked for a specialisation, select ‘Cities, Migration, and Global Interdependence’. Studielink automatically directs you to uSis (Leiden University’s online application portal) within 2 or 3 working days.
In the online application portal, Leiden University will let you know whether you qualify for automatic admission and will guide you through all necessary steps to complete your registration, as well as informing you about what you have to do after applying.

Note: you specifically need to mention your interest in the Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence general programme in the Questionnaire.

Programme structure

Literature Seminar, 10 EC
Research Seminar, 10 EC
Research Workshop, 5 EC
Academic Skills and Thesis Seminar, 5 EC
Optional Courses, 10 EC
Thesis and Exam, 20 EC

Start in February 2024

You can apply now to start the Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence general programme in February. The deadline is 15 October for students who need a visa or residence permit, and 15 November for students who do not. The interdisciplinary programme Governance of Migration and Diversity only starts in September.

Durable inequality?

Inequality in power was the basis for empire building (a focus point in the teachings of Catia Antunes) and slavery. Inequality did not disappear with the end of colonialism and slavery (studied by Karwan Fatah Black). The labour market position of women in the early modern city was not the same as that of men, and there were differences according to for instance place of birth and class (Ariadne Schmidt). There were also differences according to gender, class, citizenship, age and religion of those who were brought before the courts in the Netherlands and in the colonies (Manon van der Heijden, Marion Pluskota) and these differences affected access to health care (Evelien Walhout). Over time emancipatory movements have tried to remedy inequalities such as the women's movement, the LGBTQ+ movement (Andrew Shield), the labour movement (Dennie Oude Nijhuis; Jeroen Touwen), peace movement, environmental movement, housing movement, student movement, anti-racism movement, and the disability movement (Paul van Trigt). Migrants (including refugees) were granted or denied rights, and organisations of migrants, for migrants, and against migrants sought to influence debates (Marlou Schrover, Nadia Bouras, Leo Lucassen). Students will study how people self-identified and how they were identified by others, and how this restricted and created opportunities. You will analyse the effects of processes of unbanisation, migration, empire building and colonisation, and economic growth and decline in a global and comparative context in any part of the period 1500 until now.

Freedom to choose

As students you will be able to follow your own interest. You can follow the main CMGI program, or you can choose the interdisciplinary master sub-track Governance of Migration and Diversity.

Detailed programme

For a detailed overview of the curriculum, please check the Prospectus. This shows the themes we focus on this academic year.