HUM 560BD Politics of International Migration: Borders and Diasporas
This graduate seminar examines the political, cultural, and ethical dimensions of international migration through a comparative study of contemporary border zones. It is dedicated to the U.S.–Mexico frontier—particularly the twin cities of Ciudad Juárez and El Paso—but its objective is to serve as a space of reflection for migratory crisis both locally and globally. Student will explore how borders materialize hierarchies of labor, race, and gender through: poetry books, documentaries, theoretical essays, art performances, high-definition images, and experiential learning. We begin by situating current debates within philosophical, historical frameworks of migration studies, tracing the evolution of border regimes. The course then turns to a case study that illuminates a variety of border cultural and economic practices and issues. Through these examples, students will examine how borders operate not merely as geopolitical lines but as complex zones of encounter, surveillance, and resistance. The final project consists of a digital-collaborative publication in Scalar, allowing students to synthesize research and creative work around a shared theme. In addition, students will develop a partnership with the Centro Hispano de Frederick, fostering community engagement and reflection on the lived realities of migration and border politics.
Offered
As Needed