University of Nebraska–Lincoln



The Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Fall 2018

(First Version of Fall 2018 Syllabus)

COURSE: Sociology 398: Immigration & Multiculturalism: Global/Local Dialogues on Refugees & Western Nations

TIME: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in U.S.

(Meetings with University of Jordan would run between 4:00 & 5:15 p.m.)

LOCATION: Oldfather Hall, Room 707

PROFESSOR: L. J. Dance, 723 Oldfather Hall, Office phone: 472-2962

OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

By scientific estimates, humans have been migrating for, at least, the last 70,000 to 100,000 years. However, since the dawning of the 21st century, if you listen to several Western leaders you may be misled to believe that immigration is something new and dangerous. Many Western leaders have announced the “failures” of migration and multiculturalism; many have made conclusions about such failures without clearly explaining what they mean. How do Western leaders define immigration? What do they mean by multiculturalism? And based upon what criteria can we conclude that multiculturalism has failed? These are just a few of the questions that will be covered in this course.

Through lectures, written and photo essays, Collaborative On-line International Learning (COIL) exchanges, video-conferenced conversations with Swedish & Danish social justice workers, and civic engagements with local immigrant communities via UNL’s Center for Civic Engagement, this course will raise questions about the so-called “failure” of multiculturalism. This course will also deal with such topics as dominant and subordinate group dynamics, the politics of assimilation, polyculturalism, the experiences of refugees and other persons forced to migrate (e.g., involuntary migrants), the experiences of persons who migrate by choice (voluntary migrants), and so on. Though we will spend the first few weeks of the course outlining the history of human migration, particular attention will be paid to recent human migrations back and forth among Western nations and nations in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To bridge college students from the MENA region and the U.S. through Collaborative International On-line Learning (COIL).

• To examine how sociologists and other scholars study migration, multiculturalism, pluralistic societies, and polyculturalism.

• To use a variety of “texts” (academic, creative, poetic, visual) and approaches (lectures, COIL discussions, analytical essays, photo essays, in-class exercises/workshops) to give life to the conceptual and theoretical frames related to migration and multiculturalism.

• To collaborate with UNL’s Center for Civic Engagement to identify local NPO’s with whom students enrolled in the course can engage in 15 to 20 hours of service learning. This will create opportunities for students to engage in civic work with leaders of local immigrant communities.

• To have videoconferences with persons in Sweden and Denmark who are engaged in social justice work with persons forced to leave Syria and other Near/Middle Eastern countries.

• To facilitate informed, productive, and civil discussions among college students in the Middle East (e.g., in Jordan) and college students in the U.S. (e.g., in Nebraska) about migration and multiculturalism.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

• Migration: A World History (New Oxford World History) by Michael H. Fisher (2014).

• Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader, edited by Shirley R. Steinberg (2009).

RECOMMENDED TEXTS:

• Beyond a Border: The Causes and Consequences of Contemporary Immigration (Sociology for a New Century Series) by Peter Kivisto and Thomas Faist (2009)

• The Girl from Aleppo: Nujeen’s Escape from War to Freedom by Nujeen Mustafa and Christina Lamb (2017)

GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

‘ 1st Analytical Essay 05 pts (05% or 10%)

‘ 2nd Analytical Essay (Optional) 05 pts (05%)

‘ 1st Photo Voice Assignment 05 pts (05%)

‘ 2nd Photo Voice Assignment 05 pts (05%)

‘ 3rd Analytical Essay or Photo Voice Assignment 10 pts (10%)

‘ Final Project Proposal 15 pts (15%)

‘ Final Essay or Project 30 pts (30%)

‘ Class Participation[1] 25 pts (25%)

TOTAL 100 pts (100%)

Grading Scheme[2]: A = 90-100% of total points

B = 80-89% of total points

C = 70-79% of total points

D = 60-69% of total points

F = 59% or less of total points

POP-QUIZZES:

To evaluate students’ completion of course readings and other assignments, pop-quizzes or short-answer essay exams may be administered from time to time. Points assessed on pop-quizzes or short-answer essay exams will usually factor into class participation assessments. However, if the professor concludes that failure to complete course readings and other assignments is a general course trend then points assessed on pop-quizzes for correct answers may be added to the student’s total points, and points assessed for incorrect answers may be subtracted from the student's total points.

MAKE-UP POLICY:

As a general rule there will be NO make-up assignments. In extraordinary circumstances, a late assignment may be accepted if: (1) you know in advance that you will be unable, for extraordinary reasons, to hand in the assignment, and you make arrangements with the professor at least one week before the scheduled due date; or (2) you are suddenly hospitalized, become seriously ill, or experience some other serious event and then consult with the professor about handing in the assignment as soon as possible. In any event, the professor reserves the right to refuse permission for make-up assignments if she feels it is not warranted.

A NOTE REGARDING DISCUSSION OF SENSITIVE/CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS[3]:

Some of the topics we will discuss over the duration of the semester are likely to be sensitive and/or controversial. A variety of opinions, beliefs, and statements may surface during class discussions; some of these statements may be experienced as “racist,” or “anti-Semitic,” or “homophobic,” or “sexist,” or “fascist,” etc. Keep in mind that the students enrolled in SOCI 398 are likely to be members of different ethnic, racial, sexual orientation, national, regional, and other cultural groups. Hence, your classmates’ opinions may reflect a diversity of cultural experiences.

You will be encouraged to express your opinions and beliefs, and to do so with respect for the opinions of other students who may hold different beliefs. In the event that controversial claims are made, you will be discouraged from labeling any classmate as “a racist,” or “an anti-Semite,” or “a fascist,” or “a bigot,” etc. In other words, you may respond to any claim made by a classmate (or the professor), but will be discouraged from making such accusations as “You are a racist!” or “You are a hater!” or “You are so stupid that you went to Lens Crafters to buy an iPhone!” Instead you will be encouraged to respond to opinions with which you disagree by saying, “I disagree with the statement you just made and I experience it [i.e., the statement] as racist (or homophobic, or anti-Semitic, etc.) because...,” and then sharing your opinion with your classmates (or the professor).

The professor of this course assumes that all students are interested in learning and sharing their views about U.S. “race” and ethnic relations and therefore come to this course with the best of intentions. Hence, students are encouraged to express their views and beliefs even when those views may be considered unpopular. In SOCI 398, the professor will facilitate a “safe place” for the discussion of sensitive issues. However, the professor will not tolerate statements (or views or opinions) that are voiced with malicious or hateful intent. If you have any concerns that you will have difficulty with voicing your opinions/beliefs in sensitive language, feel free to consult with the professor during office hours and she will be happy to assist you.

ACHIEVEMENT-CENTERED EDUCATION (ACE)

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to provide quality education to all of its students. To that end, it has designated certain classes as Achievement Center Education (ACE). These classes provide and assess specific learning outcomes (SLOs). SOCY 398-Immigration and Multiculturalism: Global/Local Dialogues on Refugees in Western Nations fulfills two of ten ACE objectives. More specifically, SOCY 398-Immigration and Multiculturalism fulfills SLO objective #8 “Explain ethical principles, civics, and stewardship, and their importance to society,” and SLO objective #9 “Exhibit global awareness of knowledge of human diversity through analysis of an issue.”

ACE Outcome #08:  Explain ethical principles, civics, and stewardship, and their importance to society. Through readings and classroom discussion about texts and videos, students will develop an understanding of various immigration experiences, especially Western nations. Specifically, students will work with UNL’s Center for Civic Engagement to develop an understanding of immigration experiences in Lincoln and other parts of Nebraska by engaging with local NPOs working on the behalf of migrant and other minority groups.

ACE Outcome #09: Exhibit global awareness or knowledge of human diversity through analysis of an issue. This learning outcome will be facilitated in the following manner:

• From a sociological perspective we will examine a variety of historical, social and cultural forces impacting immigrants in Western societies.

• A primary focus of the course will be to understand how factors such as imperialism/colonialism, famine, war, and ethnic cleansing have led to the forced relocation of entire populations, and how forced relocations can lead to social and economic inequality.

• In addition to examining the causes of inequality, we will also consider how NPOs explore if and how some of the problems we examine may be resolved.

ACE learning outcomes in this class will be assessed by:

• Class participation;

• In-Class Group Presentations and Debates;

• Service learning engagements via UNL’s Center for Civic Engagement;

• Written assignments and final projects which will allow students to explore and extend class discussions; regarding immigration and multiculturalism.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides individualized accommodations to students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that is impacting your academic progress, please call Students w/Disabilities Services (SSD) at 472-3787 and schedule an appointment with the Director, George (Sam) Goodin, so that he can arranged a confidential discussion of your individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to provide flexible and individualized accommodations to students with documented disabilities that may affect their ability to fully participate in course activities or to meet course requirements.  To receive accommodation services, students must be registered with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office, 132 Canfield Administration, 472-3787 voice or TTY. 

If you do not have a documented disability but you are having difficulties with your coursework (such as receiving low grades even though you study more than your classmates or running out of time for test questions when the majority of your peers finish their exams in the allotted time), you may still schedule an appointment with George (Sam) Goodin to discuss the challenges you are experiencing.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES:

The professor believes that students should not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs. Students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the professor of any intended absences for religious observances in advance.  Notice should be provided to the professor as soon as possible but no later than the end of the fourth week of classes. 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:

The professor expects that all students will honor principles of Academic Integrity/Honesty as set forth by the UNL Student Code of Conduct. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of forms of academic dishonesty like cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the expectations regarding student conduct at UNL, please visit

USE OF CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS DURING CLASS:

Please be courteous to your classmates and instructor and do NOT use your cell phone, I-phone, etc., during class. Computers and I-Pads are allowed in class but only with the approval of the professor and for course-related reasons (e.g., note taking, presentations).

POSSIBLE SCHEDULE OF CLASS MEETINGS, READINGS, AND ASSIGNMENTS:

(This is the first version of the syllabus and is subject to revisions)

Week 01 (Aug 21&23) Introductions

Week 02 (Aug 28&30) Who Are My Classmates and Instructors: An On-Line Photo Essay Presentation of the Migration Histories of Students and Instructors in the Course. We will also begin to map the history of Human Migration

Required Reading:

(Prof Dance will assign chapters from Migration: A World History by Michael H. Fisher)

Week 03 (Sep 4&6) Service Learning and Civic Engagement (Guest Speaker, Dr. Linda Moody, Center for Civic Engagement)

Required Reading:

“In The Service of Life” by Rachel Naomi Remen

(Prof Dance will also assign chapters from Migration: A World History by Michael H. Fisher)

Week 04 (Sep 11&13) Migration: Important Examples, Concepts, and Definitions (cont’d)

Required Reading:

(Prof Dance will also assign chapters from Migration: A World History by Michael H. Fisher and from Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader, edited by Shirley R. Steinberg)

Week 05 (Sep 18&20) Migration: Important Examples, Concepts, and Definitions (cont’d)

Required Reading:

(Prof Dance will assign chapters from Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader, edited by Shirley R. Steinberg)

Week 06 (Sep 25&27) Multiculturalism: Important Examples, Concepts, and Definitions (cont’d)

Required Reading:

(Prof Dance will assign chapters from Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader, edited by Shirley R. Steinberg)

Week 07 (Oct 2&4) Multiculturalism: Important Examples, Concepts, and Definitions (cont’d)

Required Reading:

(Prof Dance will assign chapters from Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader, edited by Shirley R. Steinberg)

Week 08 (Oct 9&11) Videoconferences with Social Justice Workers in Sweden

Required Reading:

(TBA)

½ Week 09 (Oct 18) The Syrian Crisis and Other Human Crises Involving Migrations

Required Reading:

(TBA)

Week 10 (Oct 23&25) Videoconferences with Social Justice Workers in Denmark

Required Reading:

(TBA)

Week 11 (Oct 30&Nov1) Collaborations with Leaders from Local Immigrant Communities

Required Reading:

(TBA)

Week 12 (Nov 6&8) Reports from Collaborations with Leaders from Local Immigrant Communities

Required Reading:

(TBA)

Week 13 (Nov 13&15) [Topic To Be Announced]

Required Reading:

(TBA)

½ Week 14 (Nov 20) [Topic To Be Announced]

Week 15 (Nov 27&29) [Topic To Be Announced]

Week 16 (Dec 4&6) [Topic To Be Announced]

Final (Dec 13) Thursday, December 13th from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. (This is the official time; Prof. Dance will probably give you a longer window for submitting your Final Project)

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[1] 1.0 points will be deducted from your Class Participation grade for each class that you miss if you do not have an official excuse (for example a doctor’s note, a letter from your boss, and so on). For example, if you miss three classes, your Class Participation grade could be no higher than 22 points (B), if you miss five classes, your Class Participation grade could be no higher than 20 points (C), and so on. On top of this, your Class Participation grade may also be affected by not participating in class discussions when you are in class. So, please do not miss classes. Also, this course will involve service learning via the Center for Civic Engagement. Hence some “class” participation will take place outside of the classroom. Of course, if you have an official excuse for missing class, then no points will be deducted from your Class Participation grade..

[2] Cut points for A/B/C/D+, A/B/C/D, and A/B/C/D- will be based upon the actual high versus low grading outcomes achieved by students.

[3]Due to the sensitive and controversial nature of some of the topics that will be discussed over the duration of the semester, all classes are closed to the Press.

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