POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS

50 The MA in Migration and Diaspora Studiesis a broad-based degree for students with afoundation in the subject who want to receivespecialised research training in Migration andDiaspora Studies, including a relevant language,which will prepare them to proceed to advancedpostgraduate research in Migration and DiasporaStudies at SOAS or elsewhere.This MA is designed to appeal to students froma variety of backgrounds who:• Wish to know more of the transnational natureof the modern world;• Wish to continue their anthropological studyat a postgraduate level and engage in criticalcontemporary theory;• Wish to understand cultural transformationfrom a global perspective;• Come from other disciplines, such as Lawor Politics, and now wish to incorporatean anthropological perspective on issues ofmigration and diaspora.The degree offers students a chance to pursuespecialist interests by a considered selection ofcourses to suit their individual needs. It provides:1. A broad-based MA for students with somebackground in issues of migration and diasporawho wish to enhance their knowledge in lightof continuing contemporary research;2. A special interest MA, enabling students tostudy diaspora and migration issues in depthin relation to a particular discipline or region.Prospective students will be encouraged tocontact the Programme Convenor (see thedepartmental web pages for details) at an earlystage of their application to seek advice onthe most appropriate options for study. Theprogramme consists of four elements, threeexamined courses and a 10,000-word dissertationon an approved topic.MA MIGRATION AND DIASPORA STUDIESNot all courses listed below may be available everyyear. For courses being offered in 2008/09, pleasevisit the relevant departmental website or contactthe Faculty office. Some courses may be taught inother departments of the School.CORE COURSE- African and Asian Diasporas in theContemporary WorldMelissa HowellMA Migration andDiaspora StudiesANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGYI did my undergraduate studies at Florida A& M University (FAMU) – a historical landmarkfounded by descendants of African slaves – andworked and travelled across the globe. But I hadyet to feel a cultural experience quite like SOAS.Here, I have been inspired by honest, intellectualdiscussion with other students on subjectsranging from theories on institutionalisedpower dynamics and children’s rights in Brazilto the projected political impact of Ghana’s50th year of Independence on the world. Thereare so many cultures and ethnicities at SOAS,it’s hard to imagine another university witha truer understanding of and openness todiversity of thought.