SOCI 035E. Immigration, Race, and the Law

“Race is a social construction” is an often-repeated mantra among scholars and activists alike. However, less explored is: how and to what end race was constructed and by whom? SOCI 035E takes as its central task to provide answers to these questions by paying particular attention to the role of the law in the creation and maintenance of race and racism and of racialized citizenship. Relatedly, this class also explores the role that race has played in shaping the differential reception and inclusion of various migrant groups over time. We will study, for instance, how certain European migrant groups were eventually allowed to “become white” while others, such as Latinos, became closely associated with illegality. The goal of this class is to shed light into the functioning of race and the law within capitalism.

Social sciences.
1 credit.
Eligible for LALS
Fall 2025. Rangel.
Catalog chapter: Sociology and Anthropology
Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/sociology-anthropology

Access the class schedule to search for sections.