Immigration Paper

U. S. Immigration

SOC 321K (45550)
MAS 374 (36240))

Prerequisite: Upper division standing

The University of Texas at Austin
Fall 2012

MWF: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Classroom: NOA 1.102

Instructor: Professor Nestor Rodriguez
BUR 580, (nrodriguez@austin.utexas.edu), (512) 232-6300
Office hours: MWF, 10-11 am,
Virtual office hours- continually during weekdays and weekends (pleaseidentify yourself when you email)

TA: Christian Paredes, clpegusquiza@yahoo.com
TA office hours: Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 PM, and by appointment, Burdine Hall 554

I. Course Rationale
Immigration patterns have significantly affected the development of U.S. society since its inception. In the 1990s, the United States experienced a record number of new immigrants admitted into the country, and thelast decade (2000-2009) recorded even a larger number of immigrants admitted. This course uses a sociological perspective to address various impacts of immigration in U.S. society.

II. Course Aims and Objectives
Aims
This course is designed to provide a sociological understanding concerning the nature of immigration in U.S. society, including an understanding of how immigration affectslarge (macro) and small (micro) social units in the society.

Specific Learning Objectives
* Gain background information on the development of immigration patterns in U.S. society and discuss the social forces that affect these patterns from the perspective of historical and recent immigration trends.

* Review and discuss different perceptions about immigration patterns.

*Review and analyze government statistical reports concerning annual immigration conditions and characteristics.

* Develop an awareness of the significance of immigration for the development of U.S. society.

* Review major laws affecting migration patterns to U.S. society

Cultural Diversity Objective:

“This course carries the flag for Cultural Diversity in the United States.Cultural Diversity courses are designed to increase your familiarity with the variety and richness of the American cultural experience. You should therefore expect a substantial portion of your grade to come from assignments covering the practices, beliefs, and histories of at least one U.S. cultural group that has experienced persistent marginalization.”

III. Format and Procedures
The course isdesigned with the expectation that it will follow an intertwined format of lectures and class discussions. A key expectation is that students will come to class prepared to discuss thematic issues covered in the class, or at least come to class with a curious and critical predisposition to become intellectually engaged in the class. All students are expect to contribute to class discussion, with ahigh regard for an open academic dialogue, which values respect for the ideas, opinions, and views of others. Class attendance is expected and highly encouraged.

During the course students will be asked to give formal and informal anonymous feedback regarding the teaching techniques and progress of the course. The purpose of the student feedback is to help create an effective learningexperience.

IV. Assumptions
My assumptions about the nature of immigration in U.S. society is that it a) follows an historical course, b) flows from the interaction between human agency and social structures, c) takes normal paths of social division and degrees of accommodation and social incorporation, d) is partly affected by social constructions regarding different national-origin groups, and e)has its most profound significance within the dynamics of social reproduction.

V. Course Requirements
1. Class attendance and participation policy
To get the most out of this class you should attend all classes and arrive on time. Also, you should review previous lecture notes and bring questions to class about points you did not clearly understand—including points from the assigned...