POL S 405 C: Advanced Seminar in American Politics

Course Overview:

This seminar course explores the history of immigration, public policies that have been aimed at immigration flows or immigrants, and  the political consequences. The course focuses heavily on Latino immigrants in the U.S. context, but also discuss other groups. Immigration policy is a highly salient and controversial issue that is increasingly being used to mobilize very different groups of voters. This course grapples with notions of citizenship and ‘illegality’ while examining backlash to demographic changes.  Rhetoric on immigration is increasingly divisive and has evoked differing reactions among various groups of people and voters, including immigrant rights activism and varying public opinion on policies. Legislation and policies aimed at immigrants such as Arizona’s SB1070, DREAM Act and Proposition 187, in addition to other local, state, and federal measures will also be analyzed. Experiences of immigrants in this political and social environment are examined at length. Finally, this course includes topics such as undocumented immigration, dynamics on the border, the politics of policing and immigrant detention, and asylum and refugee politics in the contemporary era.

Course Requirements: This course is an upper division seminar that is focused on discussion. Students are required to write two short reflection papers (2-3 pages) and complete a final group project and presentation. The final group project will involve working in groups of 4-5 students to create a video, podcast, or power point presentation on a contemporary immigration policy. 

Grade Breakdown: 

Short Paper 1: 10% 

Short Paper 2 10%

Final Group Project : 35%

Participation: 25%

In-Class Debates: 20%