The main objective of this course is to give students the opportunity to explore theory, traditions, research problems and discussions of the mobility paradigm. In doing so students gain knowledge about "The mobility turn" in sociology. Within this main objective and in an overarching perspective, it will be central to learn about the changing perspectives on and contexts of mobility. Hence, the course will foster students' understanding of how mobility - foremost international/cross-border mobility and thus mobility in "a horizontal sense of being 'on the move'..." (John Urry) - shapes our contemporary social life and how it might affect our and societies' future. The course content will comprise three parts: one is an introduction to the mobility debate and theoretical concepts that surround the debate. A second is an introduction to research focusing on youth mobility - concretely in the fields of higher education, employment, vocational training, pupils exchange and entrepreneurship - in Europe. Here students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge gained in the lectures and discussions to carry out a basic relevant qualitative/quantitative analysis. Finally, a third part is about students presenting and contextualising their findings.

The course content will cover an introduction to:

• sociological theory addressing mobility,
• current developments regarding mobility under globalisation
• case studies/research on the matter.

While using outcomes of case study research the course further examines - under given contemporary challenges - cross-border mobility of young people within the EU.

Upon completions of the course the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

• The candidate can provide and outline how the perspective on mobility in social science has changed over recent decades
• The candidate will have a basic understanding of the concept mobility and of the so-called "mobility turn" in social science
• The candidate can point out challenges regarding mobility, thus positive and negative effects of mobility
• The candidate can give examples of how mobility influences nowadays society, institutions and individual behaviour
• The candidate will know about contemporary young people's mobility patterns and strategies

Skills

• The candidate is able to do in-depth studies of mobility
• The candidate can relate individual cases with social contexts of the phenomenon mobility
• The candidate can present and discuss a specific social phenomenon like mobility
• The candidate is able to reflect theoretical, empirical and ideological challenges with regard to the issue of mobility

General competence

• The candidate will have a rough overview of sociological theory and research related to the mobility phenomenon
• The candidate can approach and account the mobility phenomenon within sociological traditions
• The candidate has knowledge about how young people become mobile and is able to account fostering and/or hindering factors of mobility
• The candidate can understand individual challenges with regard to mobility

• Preparing and contributing to (group)presentations and seminar discussion (about 30 minutes) related to a topic/an article(s)/a book section(s) of the cited literature or literature found/indicated by yourself/your work group.
• Mandatory term paper (2000 words +/- 10 percent).

The presentation and the term paper must be approved before the student can take the written exam.

8 hour take home exam.

2500 words (+/- 10%)