SST 195-05 - Introductory Special Topic: Immigration, Refugees and Membership in the XXI Century

4 credits (Spring)

This course provides a comparative multi-disciplinary perspective on international migration, forced migration and immigrant settlement strategies, with a focus on Western Europe, the Middle East, Latin American and the United States. The course will explore old and new debates on forms of membership in societies characterized by high levels of immigration and emigration. In particular, we examine the symbolic and physical importance of borders and their impacts in displaced populations and refugees. As part of this class we will travel to several border zones and refuge cities across the globe and interact with officials, aid and NGO workers, activists and refuge or migrant populations themselves to better understand how bureaucracies of immigration and forced migration operate “on the ground”.

First-year students interested in this course will need to complete an application in addition to doing the normal registration process. The application materials are available on GrinnellShare (Academics>Centers>Center for International Studies>Global Learning Program). Students selected to participate in the Global Learning Program will be required to pay a $400 participation fee (most other required travel expenses will be covered). This fee will be payable at the Cashier’s Office, by cash or check, and will be due 1 week after classes begin. If payment of this fee causes you financial concern, please contact Gretchen Zimmermann in the Financial Aid Office to discuss loan options to cover this additional cost of attendance.

Prerequisite: TUT-100.
Instructor: Escandell, Cook-Martin