HIST 3430 - Becoming Latinx: Immigration, Assimilation, & Activism

Latinx Americans gained recognition in mainstream U.S. history and culture relatively recently, but their ancestors were present in the United States even before the pilgrims arrived on Plymouth Rock. Their recognition was led in large part by relatively new immigrants to the country who risked their lives and comfort to the help the United States achieve the ideals outlined in the Constitution. In this class, students will apply a variety of historical methods, including source and data analysis, as they examine the many stories of how Latinx Americans arrived through immigration and colonialism as well as how they moved beyond assimilation to contribute to US culture and society. Students will apply this historical perspective to engage with and evaluate the public debates around policies and issues including immigration and national identity. When this course is taught as a service-learning course, students will also work directly with members of the Greater New Haven Latinx community through our class partners. 3 credits.