SOC 270 - Immigration and Deportation

This course examines immigration to the United States through a sociological lens, with attention to the social, political, and historical contexts of immigration and the relationships between migrants and existing institutions and identities. migration is a rich topic for raising and answering the most fundamental, perennial questions of sociology. What is a social system and how does it change as a result of migration? How does migration affect the relationship between people and the state? Between various states in the global system? To what extent can our current forms of domestic and international organization be understood as systems of stratification and social domination in terms of how migrants move, are considered, and handled? 

The course will first outline the factors shaping migration patterns-why people move-and compare immigration policies across time and space. We include a look at policies and frameworks underpinning immigration to the US, particularly the role of the government in attempting to control immigration through border controls and immigration policies. Next, we examine how ethnic and national minorities are incorporated (or resisted) into American society, exploring debates around assimilation and other models of immigrant incorporation. We consider how gender, race, class, and religion affect the reception and integration of migrants. We also focus on the criminalization of migrants in contemporary U.S. With consideration to involuntary migration, we examine human smuggling and trafficking, the legal protection of and humanitarian assistance by international organizations, nation-states, local governments, and NGOs to refugees, and displacement due primarily to violent conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Finally, we will examine the consequences of immigration and transnationalism on nation-states and diasporic communities. 

Students should note that this class is reading, writing, and discussion intensive. Assigned readings provide background, concepts, and history required to master this broad arena of social life. Analytical writings provide practice in articulating important social dynamics and institutional processes. Recognizing the sensitivity about migration at this time, we give special attention to the diversity of perspectives contributing to the polemical discourse in the United States and elsewhere on the topic. And because “real life” involves working with other people, this class is designed to encourage a high level of interpersonal interaction through group discussions as we process course material together. You must come prepared and to talk together. Careful reading, then listening, considering, and constructively giving group feedback are core to the pedagogy of this course.

Satisfies Sociology major requirement.
Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement.
Satisfies Justice, Equality and Community requirement.