SOC 105 Immigrant Youth and Youth Cultures
Through a critical evaluation of the theoretical propositions of thinkers in the field, we examine the role of youth cultures in the identity formation of immigrant adolescent youth residing in the Southwest region of the United States. Particular attention is paid to: (1) theories of acculturation and assimilation used to analyze the experiences of immigrant youth; (2) the impact of geographical location, social class, gender, race, sexuality, popular culture, mass media, and technology; and (3) the intersection of youth cultures, home cultures, and mainstream society. Students will write papers that articulate an original thesis with supporting evidence. This course is part of the California Immigration Semester, and enrollment is open only to first-year students.