POSC 136S Political Economy of International Migration

This upper-level undergraduate course examines the political and economic causes and consequences of international migration. The first half of the course covers the politics of immigration in receiving countries. We will examine the formation of public opinion on immigration, models of interest group politics, and the formation of immigration policy. The second half of the course covers the effects and politics of emigration for sending countries. We will examine issues regarding brain drain, remittances, and diaspora engagement policies. We will also address the human rights aspects of migration, including policies towards refugees and asylum seekers. Course readings and lectures draw on major research in political science, economics, and sociology. The goal is to provide students both the theoretical tools and substantive information necessary to understand and analyze policy issues that now confront immigrant-receiving and migrant-sending states.

Course offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Winter 2024