[Time frame] By the end of the course, students should be able to: [Objective aimed at knowledge] * Identify old and new trends in Mexican migration to the US (including patterns and new destinations), the reasons behind these trends, and how this affects US policy; [Objectives aimed at comprehension] * Discuss in detail why Mexican immigrants decide to migrate to the United States (based on international migration theory and the texts studied in this course); * Discuss how the history between the United States and Mexico has regularly affected Mexican immigration and political and cultural responses in the US; * Explain return migration and how it affects policy decisions in both Mexico and the US; [Objective aimed at application] * Predict future trends of migration by taking into account current (and prospective) policy changes and applying international migration theory; [Objective aimed at analysis] * Analyze reactions to Mexican migration in various communities around the US; [Objective aimed at synthesis] * Conjure realistic and unique addendums to migration policy (addressing obstacles and keeping sociocultural trends in mind); [Objectives aimed at evaluation] * Argue against common myths regarding Mexican immigration; * Compare and contrast the impact of migration on both sending and receiving communities. [Outcomes (including grading criteria)] Students will show their understanding of the course material in the following ways: * Class participation * Reading assignments (with weekly response mini-essays) * Field project * Research papers I will evaluate the student’s understanding in the following ways: Class participation (demonstrating informed opinions about the readings and lectures) 10% Field project 25% First research paper (midterm) 25% Final research paper 40% * Late assignments are accepted with a penalty of 10-points deducted for each day late. * The final research paper will not be accepted past the due date. Grading scale: * Assignments will be graded on content (quality of analysis), style, rigor, clarity, and precision. A: 90-100 points B: 80-90 points C: 70-80 points D: 60-70 points F: 0-60 points