Course Overview:
This course explores the history of immigration and immigration policies in the U.S. context and focuses primarily on Latino immigrants. Immigration policy is a highly salient and controversial issue in the current political landscape. This course will grapple with notions of citizenship and ‘illegality’ while examining backlash to demographic changes and experiences of immigrants. Rhetoric on immigration is increasingly divisive and has caused differing reactions in the public and among voters, including immigrant rights activism and varying public opinions. Legislation and policies aimed at immigrants, such as Arizona’s SB1070, DREAM Act and Proposition 187 in addition to other local, state, and federal actions will also be explored at length. Finally, this course will examine undocumented immigration, dynamics on the border, and contemporary discourse and opinion on immigration politics and policy.
Grade Breakdown:
Short Paper 10%
In-Class Free Writes 10%
Final Group Project 35%
Participation 25%
In-Class Debates 20%