IRMI (INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH UNIT ON MIGRATION): SHORT INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMME INTRODUCING MIGRATION STUDIES
Università degli Studi di Firenze (ITALY)
About this paper:
Conference name: 20th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 2-4 March, 2026
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
This contribution analyses the interdisciplinary educational programme on migration developed by the Interdisciplinary Research Unit on Migration (IRMI) at the University of Florence, aimed at first-year Political Science students. The programme conceives migration as a structural and long-term social phenomenon, integrating sociological, historical, political, legal and media perspectives. Introduced in 2019 as an early intervention in the curriculum, it combines research-based teaching, active learning and ethical reflection, making use of narrative materials, audiovisual sources and collaborations with third sector organisations. Particular attention is paid to the ethics of testimony and the critical analysis of public narratives on migration. Qualitative results indicate a strengthening of students' analytical and critical skills and a greater awareness of the ethical and political dimensions of the migration phenomenon. The programme represents a replicable model of interdisciplinary teaching, capable of linking research, teaching and public engagement.Keywords:
Unit of Research, Interdisciplinarity, Migration, Workshop.