Making America: The Immigrant Experience in Literature

Examines the literature produced by immigrants and their children who came to the U.S. between 1865 and 1965. Will place literature in its sociocultural and literary contexts, considering it as a creative contribution to debates on acculturation, generational conflict, intermarriage, racism, gender politics, labor exploitation, and immigrant entrepreneurs. Will read works by authors of Chinese, Irish, Scandinavian, Japanese, Slavic, East European Jewish, Mexican, and Caribbean origin. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors and seniors.