SOCI 287 - Immigrant Voices

“Once I thought to write a history of the immigrants in America. Then I discovered that the immigrants were American history.” (Oscar Handlin, 1951:3). Over the course of the last five centuries, millions of people, young and old, male and female, married and single, left their homelands seeking better lives. Who were these people who, willingly or forcibly, left all they knew behind? What were their dreams and motivations? Hardships? How were they received by those who, by pure accident of history and birth, had arrived before them? This class is an expedition into the past with an eye on the present, examining primarily firsthand accounts left by and about the immigrants themselves. What does an 18th century Scottish indentured servant have in common with a 21st century migrant farm worker? What does an early 20th century Japanese picture bride share with a contemporary Russian “mail order” bride? Delving into diverse historical periods and differing groups, the goal is to develop a better understanding of parallels and variations, hopes and dreams, the ease and challenges that immigrants have experienced, and continue to face. (4 credits) Alternate years. (4 Credits)