Topics in Sociological Analysis (476-0-21)
Topic
Sociology of Immigration
Instructors
Jennifer A Jones
Jennifer Jones is an Associate Professor of Sociology and a Faculty Fellow at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University. Her research lies at the intersection of the sociology of race, immigration, and politics. Throughout her scholarship, she examines how race “works”, exploring the relationship between categorical ascription (e.g., checking a box, or how one is perceived) and meaning-making (e.g., identity, or feeling a sense of group belonging).
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 222: Tues 9:30AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
"Sociology of Immigration"
This graduate seminar examines the dynamics of migration both from the perspective of the receiving society and from the lived experiences of migrants themselves. This course will introduce students to major theories, topics, and debates in the field of immigration with a focus on three core areas: integration and exclusion; borders and transnationalism; and citizenship and crimmigration. Throughout the course we will be attentive to the overlap between race and immigration as both scholarly areas and political imperatives and engage critical legal studies perspectives to ground our understanding of the production of immigration law. Because this is a graduate sociology course, we will also consider the genealogy of immigration as a subfield of sociology, as well as some of the key debates surrounding the study of immigration across the social sciences. While this class will focus primarily on the U.S. context from the 20th century to the contemporary period, we will also be in conversation with historical and comparative approaches to understanding immigration.
Learning Objectives
• Gain a broad understanding of the sociology of immigration as a field;
• Gain theoretical and analytical tools to conduct independent research in and contribute to the field of immigration;
• Recognize and understand key theoretical, conceptual, and analytical debates in the study of immigration;
• Improve critical reading skills;
• Begin to develop your own perspective regarding key sociological concepts and debates when it comes to immigration.
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
Weekly discussion questions and critical reflections; class participation; final paper
Class Materials (Required)
This course will have required books/other materials. Please contact instructor for further information.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.