COURSE CATALOGUE 

Introduction to Migration Studies

Content

The course introduces students to the historical background of migration and its relation to globalization, complexity and variety of contemporary migration, an overview of the key concepts in sociology and economics of migration; the economic causes and effects of migration and the immigrants’ economic assimilation in the host country. The course will investigate the topics from regional and international perspectives. 

Learning Outcome

By the end of the course the students will have acquired:

• An overview of migration processes in the past (a) and present (b) their structures and consequences, including the ability to critically evaluate categories and approaches of migration research and to apply them in a reflecting manner.
• The ability to understand the complexity and variety of contemporary migration.
• An overview of migration patterns and their historical background and relation to globalization.
• Knowledge and skills in identifying and evaluating the economic costs and benefits of migration for sending and receiving countries.
• The ability to formulate relevant research questions and implement a plan to answer these questions.

Workload 

Students will be awarded 8 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 150 hours, 70 contact hours (lectures and seminars), 80 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).

Research Methods for Social Sciences

Content

This course on Research Methods is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of social research including research design, data collection, data analysis, questions of validity, and ethical issues that must be considered while conducting research in the social sciences. The course is divided into three substantive sections: (a) theory and methods; (b) research design and tools for data collection; and (c) data analysis techniques.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students will:

• demonstrate their understanding of major research methods and the ability to make use of both quantitative and qualitative research techniques; 
• identify the appropriate techniques for different kinds of research questions; 
• critically assess the utility and appropriateness of diverse methods and techniques for the study of relevant research issues in the Social Sciences, particularly in Migration studies; 
• ­understand the practical application of research techniques such as administering surveys, conducting interviews, and writing field-notes along with the processes of sampling, data collection and data analysis.  

 Workload

Students will be awarded 6 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 150 hours, 70 contact hours (lectures and seminars), 80 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).

Regular and irregular migration, trafficking and smuggling

Content

This course is designed to offer students an interactive module that analytically explores the phenomena of regular and irregular migration, trafficking of human beings and smuggling. This course will review their social, political and economic impact on security and stability in the region and internationally. The students will learn about the national and international legislative acts concerning migration, trafficking and smuggling and best practices [policies] to address the relevant problems.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the course the students will have acquired:

• Understanding of regular and irregular migration, trafficking and smuggling, and the ability to distinguish them
• Ability to analyze social, political and economic impacts and consequences of migration, trafficking and smuggling
• Understanding of new and sustainable policies to address the issues stemming from irregular migration, as well as trafficking of human beings and smuggling
• Application of concepts and methods learned in class by conducting field research exercises on actual situations and problems
• Analytical and communication skills through written assignments and oral presentations based on a group research project

Workload

Students will be awarded 8 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 150 hours, 70 contact hours (lectures and seminars), 80 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).

Statistics and Econometrics

Content

The first part of the course provides students with the fundamentals of probability theory, data design, statistical inference, estimation, and hypothesis testing which are necessary for most statistical analyses and to understand the second half of the course.

The second part of the course explores more advanced techniques. It contains theory of regression analysis, and applications of regression analyses to various economic problems and types of data: Linear regression; Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals in multiple regression; Nonlinear regression; Logistic regression; Panel data analysis; The use of instrumental variables; Experiments and quasi-experiments; Time series analysis. Students will also be introduced to statistical computing with Excel, Stata, and EViews. The computer-based exercises will enable students to obtain practical experience in analyzing real economic data.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students will have acquired:

• Knowledge and skills to conduct a good statistical analysis, to develop correct econometric models, to assess model assumptions and to interpret results.
• Proficiency in using statistical software for data analyses.
• Ability to read and comprehend more advanced literature in Statistics and Econometrics.
• Ability to empirically implement a variety of theoretical models to economic problems.

 Workload

Students will be awarded 10 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 150 hours, 70 contact hours (lectures and seminars), 80 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).

Economics of Natural Resources

Content

This course focuses on a wide range of economic issues relating to natural resources, with a particular emphasis on energy. The course explores major economic models of natural resources and energy use. It is designed to familiarize students with various tools and techniques used by economists in environmental and natural resource management. Furthermore, the association of demographic issues and poverty with natural resources will be explored and discussed using case studies.

Learning Outcomes

Pre-requisite: Knowledge of basic microeconomic analysis; Competitive markets; Profit maximizing concepts; Competitive equilibrium price formation; Economic efficiency concepts; Efficiency of competitive markets; Market failure (Private versus social costs, Externalities, Public goods); Interest rates and discounting.

By the end of the course the students will have acquired:

• Knowledge of economic theory of depletable resources, depletable resource market modeling and policy analysis, economic issues for renewable resources
• Ability to describe and explain the principal rules of optimum exploitation of renewable and depletable natural resources and various methods of natural goods valuation.

Workload 

Students will be awarded 8 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 120 hours, 50 contact hours (lectures and seminars),70 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).

Economic Development and Migration Studies

Content

The course focuses on the migration– economic development nexus: the impact of economic factors on migration and the impact of migration on the economic development in source and destination countries. Particular investigation will be carried out on the contribution of international migration to economic growth, poverty alleviation, health and educational outcomes in sending countries. Analysis of theoretical concepts will be complemented by case studies and group activities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students will have acquired:

• Knowledge of economic development, and the necessary skills of analyzing and evaluating the relationship between economic development and migration studies.
• Ability to understand and explain the economic causes and effects of migration on economic development

Workload 

Students will be awarded 8 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 120 hours, 50 contact hours (lectures and seminars), 70 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).

Human Resource Management

Content 

The course exposes students to the field of human resource management at the organizational level. Human-resources management is considered an empirical sphere of the basic management process. The main feature of the course is to develop managerial skills in establishing organizational personnel policy. Specific topics include human resources planning, recruitment, staffing, training and development and compensation, human resource strategy, foundation of relevant legislation necessary for practical implementation in an organization.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students will have acquired:

• How effectively manage and plan key human resource functions within organizations
• Knowledge and skills to analyze and examine current issues, trends, practices, and processes in HRM in relation to Azerbaijani legislation
• Effective written and oral communication skills

Workload 

Students will be awarded 8 ECTS for the course. The overall workload is 120 hours, 50 contact hours (lectures and seminars), 70 hours for independent studies (incl. preparatory reading).