DESCRIPTION

Introduction to Migration theories and the economic, political social and cultural effects of this phenomenon. The course includes a real life analysis of migration in Spain through interviews with immigrants and emigrants. 

REFLECTIONS

Professor –  Paloma encouraged the eight or so international students in my class (from France, Germany, USA and Australia) to participate in class discussions.  She had a lot of experience to share, having already completed and published a research project on immigration in Spain.  Through Paloma’s connections, we were able to visit a government agency that worked to integrate immigrant and native populations and hear from the agency heads about their mission.  

Class Content – Not only did we look at the trends and theories of immigration, but we also looked at the anthropological  and sociological effects of the phenomenon.  We were assigned to read about 15 scholarly journals, write a 4 page paper synthesizing the material, interview an immigrant and emigrant of Spain, prepare a 30 minute PowerPoint presentation and write a 10 page paper about a step in the immigration process using the classes interview findings.

            The presentation and interview paper allowed me to work with a group of Spaniards.  Also, the interviews caused me to connect with my middle school piano teacher, high school Spanish teacher, head of my study abroad program and an American girl who just started living in Madrid.  From my outside readings, I came to realize how arbitrary the writing conventions are that I was taught in school.   The articles I read were organized clearly with direct thesis statements and outlines.  I try to bring that into my writing in English now. 

SEMESTER: Spring 2008

GRADE: n/a

WRITING ASSIGNMENT

La inserción de los inmigrantes en el mercado de trabajo

Los inmigrantes completan una trayectoria larga y difícil cuando entran en el mercado de trabajo del país receptor.  Los inmigrantes tienen que encontrar un puesto, investigar los papeles y cumplir el proceso de empleo.  Al fin de este proceso, es curioso que a pesar de las aspiraciones y los sacrificios del individuo, los inmigrantes suelan entrar en ciertos puestos sin mucha posibilidad de ascender.  Voy a mostrar que los componentes de esta trayectoria, a una cierta medida, fuerzan a los inmigrantes entran en estos nichos de puestos y quitan la posibilidad de ascender.  Se puede ver a través de la teoría del Dualismo, las redes sociales, la política, la discriminación, y la falta de movilidad social que el asentamiento de los inmigrantes en su mayor parte es predeterminado.

full text