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This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

Migration and Diaspora Studies
2404R Richcraft Hall
carleton.ca/mds

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

M.A. Migration and Diaspora Studies
(5.0 credits)

Requirements - Coursework pathway
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
2.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101.0.5
3.  3.5 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement.3.5
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Research essay pathway
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
2.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101.0.5
3.  2.5 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement.2.5
4.  1.0 credit in:1.0
MGDS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay
Note: a minimum of 9.0 CGPA is required in the first 3.0 credits of coursework for students to continue in the Research essay Pathway.
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Thesis pathway
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
2.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
3.  1.5 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count towards this requirement.1.5
4.  2.0 credits in:2.0
MGDS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis
Note: a minimum of 10.0 CGPA is required in the first 3.0 credits of coursework for students to continue in the Thesis pathway.
Total Credits5.0

M.A. Migration and Diaspora Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (5.0 credits)

Requirements - Thesis Pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  1.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 0.5 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 1.0
6.  2.0 credits in:
MGDS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Research Essay Pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  2.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 2.0
6.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Coursework Pathway
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  2.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 2.0
6.  1.0 credits in course(s) designated as having sufficient African Studies content, approved by both the MDS Program Director and the Director of African Studies. 1.0
Total Credits5.0

M.A. Migration and Diaspora Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in Climate Change (5.0 credits)

Requirements - Thesis Pathway:
1.0 credit in: 1.0
CLIM 5000 [1.0]
Climate Collaboration
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
CLIM 5800 [0.0]
Climate Seminar Series
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  1.0 credit from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 1.0
5.  2.0 credits in: 2.0
MGDS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Research Essay Pathway:
1.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
CLIM 5000 [1.0]
Climate Collaboration
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
CLIM 5800 [0.0]
Climate Seminar Series
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  1.5 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 1.5
6.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay (in the specialization)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Coursework Pathway
1.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
CLIM 5000 [1.0]
Climate Collaboration
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
CLIM 5800 [0.0]
Climate Seminar Series
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  2.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 2.0
6.  0.5 credit in a graduate course with sufficient climate change content as approved by the Coordinator of the Climate Change Specialization. 0.5
Total Credits5.0

M.A. Migration and Diaspora Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (5.0 credits)

Requirements - Thesis Pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
LACS 5000 [0.5]
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Latin American and Caribbean Studies
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
LACS 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  1.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives list (see below). Up to 0.5 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 1.0
6.  2.0 credits in:2.0
MGDS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Research Essay Pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
LACS 5000 [0.5]
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Latin American and Caribbean Studies
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
LACS 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  2.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 2.0
6.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay (in the specialization)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Coursework Pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
LACS 5000 [0.5]
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Latin American and Caribbean Studies
2.  0.0 credit in: 0.0
LACS 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
3.  1.0 credit in: 1.0
MGDS 5001 [0.5]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5003 [0.5]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies
4.  0.5 credit in MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 0.5
5.  2.0 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies electives (see below). Up to 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies practicum placements (MGDS 5101) may count toward this requirement. 2.0
6.  1.0 credits in course(s) designated as having sufficient Latin American and Caribbean Studies content, approved by both the Graduate Supervisor and the Coordinator of Latin American and Caribbean Studies. 1.0
Total Credits5.0

Graduate Diploma in Migration and Diaspora Studies (2.5 credits)

Requirements (Type 2 and Type 3 Graduate Diploma):
1.  1.0 credit from MGDS at the 5000 level. May not include MGDS 5101. 1.0
2.  1.5 credits from Migration and Diaspora Studies Electives (see below). Only 0.5 credit in MGDS 5101 Practicum in Migration and Diaspora Studies may count toward this requirement.1.5
Note: for Type 2 (concurrent) Graduate Diploma students, with approval from both units up to 1.0 credit may be counted toward both the diploma and the degree
Total Credits2.5
 

Migration and Diaspora Studies Electives List

Anthropology
ANTH 5109 [0.5]Ethnography, Gender and Globalization
Art History
ARTH 5112 [0.5]Topics in Historiography, Methodology and Criticism (only with approved topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies)
ARTH 5115 [0.5]Topics in Modern and Contemporary Art (only with approved topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies)
ARTH 5117 [0.5]Community/Identity
ARTH 5210 [0.5]Topics in Indigenous Art
Business
BUSI 5781 [0.5]Seminar in International Business II: Managing in a Global Environment
Canadian Studies
CDNS 5101 [0.5]Indigenous Peoples, Canada and the North
CDNS 5102 [0.5]Indigenous Politics and Resurgence in Canada
CDNS 5501 [0.5]Decolonizing Canada: Cultural Politics and Collective Identities
CDNS 5601 [0.5]Constructing Canada: The Politics of National Identity
Communication Studies
COMS 5207 [0.5]Communication and Racialization
COMS 5222 [0.5]Cultural Intersections
COMS 5214 [0.5]The Local and the Global
Cultural Mediations
CLMD 6102 [0.5]Issues in Transnationalism
English
ENGL 5004 [0.5]Studies in Transnational Literatures
ENGL 5008 [0.5]Studies in African Literature
ENGL 5009 [0.5]Studies in South Asian Literature
ENGL 5010 [0.5]Studies in Caribbean Literature
European, Russian and Eurasian Studies
EURR 5304 [0.5]Europe and International Migration
Film Studies
FILM 5203 [0.5]Issues in World Cinema
FILM 5506 [0.5]Topics in Culture, Identity and Representation
French
FREN 5100 [0.5]Le monde francophone: linguistique et littérature
Geography
GEOG 5005 [0.5]Global Environmental Change: Human Implications
GEOG 5201 [0.5]Special Topics in the Geography of Development
GEOG 5400 [0.5]Territory and Territoriality
GEOG 5502 [0.5]Special Topics in Geography of Globalization
GEOG 5600 [0.5]Empire and Colonialism
History
HIST 5314 [0.5]Colonialism and Postcolonialism in Canada
HIST 5710 [0.5]Race and Empire
HIST 5712 [0.5]African History Special Topics
HIST 5713 [0.5]Latin America and Caribbean History Special Topics
International Affairs
INAF 5499 [0.5]Selected Topics in Health, Displacement and Humanitarian Policy
INAF 5707 [0.5]Complex Humanitarian Emergencies
INAF 5708 [0.5]Humanitarian Assistance: Policies and Issues
INAF 5710 [0.5]Global Governance of Displacement
INAF 5711 [0.5]International Labour Migration
Law
LAWS 5007 [0.5]Race, Ethnicity and the Law
LAWS 5663 [0.5]Human Rights, Citizenship and Global Justice
Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5002 [0.5]Key Issues in Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5101 [0.5]Practicum in Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5201 [0.5]Migration and Diaspora History Special Topics
MGDS 5900 [0.5]Special Topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies
MGDS 5901 [0.5]Directed Readings in Migration and Diaspora Studies
Music
MUSI 5017 [0.5]Music and Globalization
Political Science
PSCI 5100 [0.5]Indigenous Politics of North America
PSCI 5107 [0.5]Globalization, Adjustment and Democracy in Africa
PSCI 5200 [0.5]Nationalism
PSCI 5201 [0.5]Politics in Plural Societies
PSCI 5209 [0.5]Forced Migration and Global Politics
PSCI 5211 [0.5]Migration, Globalization and Governance
PSCI 5410 [0.5]Postcolonial Theories and Practices
Public Administration
PADM 5422 [0.5]Urban and Local Government
Religion
RELI 5850 [0.5]Seminar in the Study of Religion
Social Work
SOWK 5011 [0.5]Social Work and Social Justice
SOWK 5015 [0.5]Indigenous Knowledge and Theory for Social Work
SOWK 5021 [0.5]Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities
SOWK 5702 [0.5]Special Topics in Social Work (only with approved topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies)
Sociology
SOCI 5404 [0.5]Race, Ethnicity and Class in Contemporary Societies
SOCI 5406 [0.5]Citizenship and Globalization
Note: With approval of the program director, up to 1.0 credit in courses that are not in Migration and Diaspora Studies but which are relevant to the student's program or research interests may be counted towards the MDS electives requirement.
 

Migration and Diaspora Studies (MGDS) Courses

MGDS 5001 [0.5 credit]
MA Core Seminar: Migration and Diaspora Studies

Advanced overview of major themes in and approaches to both migration studies and diaspora studies, drawing on different disciplinary perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): enrolment in the MGDS MA program or permission of the department.

MGDS 5002 [0.5 credit]
Key Issues in Migration and Diaspora Studies

Social, cultural, economic and political implications of the movement and transnational settlement of people with a multidisciplinary and multiscalar approach to topics such as citizenship, forced migration, diasporic communities, exile, immigration, global identities and transnationalism.

MGDS 5003 [0.5 credit]
Research Seminar in Migration and Diaspora Studies

Research design and methodology in migration and diaspora studies. Coursework students design a research project to be completed during the term. Research essay and thesis pathway students produce a proposal and work on the initial stages of their research project.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): enrolment in the MGDS MA program or permission of the department.

MGDS 5101 [0.5 credit]
Practicum in Migration and Diaspora Studies

Practicum placement in an organization that works in an area relevant to migration and diaspora studies. Requires written academic assignments. Graded SAT/UNS.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): permission of the department.

MGDS 5201 [0.5 credit]
Migration and Diaspora History Special Topics

Seminar on a topic in the history of Migration and Diaspora. Topic varies from year to year.
Also listed as HIST 5711.

MGDS 5202 [0.5 credit]
Topics in Migration and Diaspora: Europe, Russia and Eurasia

Topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies with a regional focus on Europe, Russia and Eurasia.
Also listed as EURR 5307.

MGDS 5900 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies

Advanced topics in Migration and Diaspora Studies. Topics vary from term to term.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as MGDS 4900, for which additional credit is precluded.

MGDS 5901 [0.5 credit]
Directed Readings in Migration and Diaspora Studies

Directed readings on a specific topic in Migration and Diaspora Studies.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the department.

MGDS 5908 [1.0 credit]
Research Essay

A research essay on a topic relating to Migration and Diaspora Studies. The topic must be approved by the program supervisor.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): permission of the department.

MGDS 5909 [2.0 credits]
M.A. Thesis

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): permission of the department.

MGDS 5913 [0.0 credit]
Co-operative Work Term

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): registration in the Co-operative Education Program option in the M.A.

Note: Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.

Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

Regulations

See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Regularly Scheduled Break

For immigration purposes, the summer term (May to August) for the M.A. Migration and Diaspora Studies, including all concentrations and specializations, is considered a regularly scheduled break approved by the University. Students should resume full-time studies in September.

Admission Requirements

M.A. Migration and Diaspora Studies

The normal requirement for admission to the Master's program is an Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), with at least a B+ average.

For admission to the program, applicants should normally possess a four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a humanities or social sciences discipline or interdisciplinary program. Previous coursework in Migration and Diaspora Studies is an asset. Practical experience working with migrant or diaspora issues will also be taken into consideration.

Accelerated Pathway

The accelerated pathway in Migration and Diaspora Studies is a flexible and individualized plan of graduate study for students in their final year of a Carleton University undergraduate degree.

Students in their third year of study in a Carleton University undergraduate degree should consult with both the Undergraduate Advisor in their program of study and the Migration and Diaspora Studies Program Director to determine if the accelerated pathway is appropriate for them and to confirm their selection of courses for their final year of undergraduate studies.

Accelerated pathway requirements:

  1. At least 1.0 credit in Migration and Diaspora Studies elective courses (5000-level or higher);
  2. Minimum overall CGPA of A-.

Students may receive advanced standing with transfer of credit of up to 1.0 credit which can reduce their time to completion.

Admission Requirements for Diploma in Migration and Diaspora Studies (Type 2)

  • Enrolment in a Master's or Doctoral degree program at Carleton University.
  • Letter of support from the student's supervisor or, if no supervisor has been assigned, a faculty member in the home program.
  • A 1-2 page statement of interest from the applicant outlining the reasons for wishing to enrol in the Migration and Diaspora Studies Diploma program.

Admissions Requirements for Diploma in Migration and Diaspora Studies (Type 3)

  • An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline, with an average of B+ or higher. University transcripts must be submitted as part of the application.
  • A 1-2 page statement of interest from the applicant outlining the reasons for wishing to enrol in the Migration and Diaspora Studies Diploma program.
  • An academic letter of recommendation. In addition, students with relevant professional or practical experience may submit a letter from their supervisor/employer.

Co-op Option

The co-op education program provides students in the MA Program in Migration and Diaspora Studies the opportunity to combine work placements with academic study. The practical experiences obtained in the workplace will reflect and extend knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and will help to develop career interests and marketable expertise. All students in the MA Program in Migration and Diaspora Studies have the opportunity to enroll in the co-op education program.

Co-op Admission Requirements

Students interested in admission into the co-op education option in Migration and Diaspora Studies must apply by the end of the first semester of academic study.

To be eligible for admission to the Co-Operative Education program in Migration and Diaspora Studies, students must:

  1. be registered in the MA Program in Migration and Diaspora Studies;
  2. have successfully completed by the start date of their first work term 2.0 credits of course requirements for the MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies which must include 0.5 credit in MGDS 5001 and an additional 0.5 credit from MGDS at the 5000 level (not including MGDS 5101).
  3. be registered as a full-time student in each academic term prior to work term;
  4. be eligible to work in Canada (for off-campus work placements).

Meeting the preceding requirements only establishes eligibility for admission to the co-op option - the prevailing job market may limit enrolment in it. Students should also note that hiring priority is given to Canadian citizens for co-op positions under the auspices of the Public Service Commission. Work terms for Migration and Diaspora Studies co-op students exist in a variety of public and private sector fields. Every effort will be made to ensure that there are appropriate work opportunities available, but there are no assurances that a co-op position will be found. Students with a high CGPA, enthusiasm, and potential, however, will have a competitive edge in securing co-op employment. Students will be assisted by the Carleton University Co-op Office to find work term positions.

Registration

Students who are accepted into the Co-op Education Option in Migration and Diaspora Studies must be registered in MGDS 5913 [0.0] Co-operative Work Term in each work term.

Note:  This course does not carry academic course credit, but is noted on academic transcripts.  Students are permitted to enroll in one 0.5 credit course during each work term.

Graduation

Students must successfully complete two work terms, in addition to the M.A. in Migration and Diaspora Studies requirements, to successfully graduate and receive a co-op designation on their final transcript and diploma.

Appeals

The Co-op Office administers the regulations and procedures applicable to the co-op option, and will report any situation of a student failing to report to a placement or being required to withdraw from the co-op option for any reason to the Migration and Diaspora Studies Program Director for a final decision. Any decision may be appealed through the normal channels of the University.

Students admitted to the Co-operative Education program must successfully complete two work placements each work term lasting four months, to receive a Co-operative Education designation on their academic transcript. Students register in the 0.0 credit Co-operative Education course MGDS 5913 and are permitted to enrol in one additional 0.5 credit course during each work term.

More information on Co-operative Education regulations can be found in Section 14 of the general regulations section of this Graduate Calendar.