HIST 208 Immigrants in America, 1492 to the Present

What does it mean to say that America is a "nation of immigrants?" This course explores the creation of America through the arrival of diverse peoples from five continents over several centuries. Topics include the legal and political foundations of U.S. citizenship the creation of the U.S.-Mexico border the origins of illegal immigration ethnic and diasporic identities state power and resistance popular culture social movements and the importance of race as well as gender and sexuality in shaping immigration policy and its enforcement. Special attention will also be given to exploring the diversity of immigrants' experiences in America over time.