LATS 471 Comparative Latina/o Migrations (Same as History 471) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (W) (D)
Policymakers, scholars, the media, and others are increasingly describing the world as "global" and immigrant groups as "transnational." Yet, this course will ask to what extent these are recent developments or historically rooted phenomena. Similarly, the increasing popularity of the umbrella terms "Hispanic" and "Latina/o" can mask widely divergent migration histories. In this course, we will develop the theoretical perspectives needed to untangle a complicated web of differences and similarities in migration histories. We will then use these migration histories to develop a comparative analysis of the experiences of different Latina/o groups in the United States. For example, how do we explain differences in socioeconomic status or political perspectives? Our discussions will also address the emergence of Latina/o Studies as an interdisciplinary and comparative field of study, as well as methods used in studying Latino and Latina history, specifically oral histories, government documents, newspapers, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Format: seminar/discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation and presentations, a short historiographical essay, an annotated bibliography, and a research paper based in part on primary sources.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 15 (expected: 8-15). Preference given to History majors and to Latina/o Studies concentrators.
Group F
WHALEN