SOC 316 - Immigration in Southern California

This course is designed to theoretically, conceptually, and analytically study issues related to immigration in southern California, with a particular focus on the U.S/Mexico border. Special emphasis will be placed on Latinos who represent the fastest growing ethnic sector of U.S. society and the largest source of immigration during the last four decades. The main focus is for us to use critical thinking to understand the issues, problems, and policy solutions. More specifically, we will examine why people move and the economic, political and social forces that perpetuate migration, law and policy, and the social construction of illegality. A major focus will be on unauthorized immigrants as we study their experiences in the United States and the contentious politics surrounding them, including detention and deportation. (Offered every year.) 3 credits