This course examines the coming together of people from five continents to the United States and provides an historical overview of the shifting patterns of immigration. The course begins in the colonial era when servants and slaves typified the migrant to America. It then follows the migration of the pre-industrial immigrants, through migration streams during the industrial and "post-industrial" eras of the nation.

This course surveys the history of U.S. immigration from the colonial period to the present, covering major events, issues, and concepts in the American immigration experience. It will explore the causes and patterns of migration to the United States; the processes of settlement; the politics of race, ethnicity, class, religion, and gender over immigration; meanings of citizenship and belonging; xenophobia and nativism; borderlands communities and economies; the development of U.S. immigration law and policy; and the evolution of the concept and category of unauthorized immigration. Special attention will be paid to analyzing the political debate over immigration and problems with immigration law enforcement today from historical perspective.

This class meets online during the scheduled class times, it can not be attended asynchronously. Enrollment will not be available if you are enrolled in another class that meets at the same time as this class.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills