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Harvard University

Birth and the Nation - A Fictional History of Immigration - Stephanie DeGooyer - Radcliffe Institute

Harvard University via YouTube

Overview

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Explore a thought-provoking lecture that challenges the traditional link between nationality and birth, using novels as a lens to reimagine more inclusive principles of citizenship and immigration. Delve into the intersection of transatlantic literature, law, and political philosophy as Stephanie DeGooyer, assistant professor of English at Willamette University, presents her research at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Examine key concepts such as "The Right to Have Rights," naturalization, and the role of novels as political narratives. Investigate historical cases and literary works, including Calvin's Case, the Poor Palatine, Jewish naturalization, and Frankenstein, to gain fresh perspectives on immigration policies and national identity. Discover how fiction can offer alternative frameworks for relating to those beyond national borders and expand our political imagination in this 43-minute presentation from Harvard University's 2018-2019 Fellows' Presentation Series.

Syllabus

Introduction
Part 1 The Right to Have Rights
Part 2 Naturalization
Calvins Case
Fleeing to the Netherlands
The Poor Palatine
Naturalization
Canary Birds
Jewish Naturalization
Novel Naturalization
Novels as Political Narratives
Lawrence Stearns
The Law Over Strangers
Frankenstein

Taught by

Harvard University

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 6 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Birth and the Nation - A Fictional History of Immigration - Stephanie DeGooyer - Radcliffe Institute

  • Linda W Smith
    This was a very interesting class on the history of Immigration.It should be taught in all schools of political science classes.I would be most interested in reviewing some other classes on this subject.
  • Lusine Hayrapetyan
    This course was very productive and important to me. I’ve learned the main things about immigration.
  • Anshuman Kumar
    Great lecture. It helped me in understanding the idea of immigration and the process of naturalization from a new perspective. It also sparked a curiosity inside me to understand novels of different centuries with our contemporary situations. Looking forward for more such thought provoking lectures. Thank you 😊
  • Profile image for Tabitha Kester
    Tabitha Kester
    Stephanie DeGooyer was very intuitive, she kept me engaged and fascinated by what she was going to say next and I love the fact she intertwined multiple books with speaking of immigration which has gave me a new book to read. Overall I’d watch her again.
  • Very insightful and informative. Opened my eyes to a new perspective on immigration I never considered before!
  • Profile image for Buyung Jumary
    Buyung Jumary
    Compelling exploration of immigration's impact, creatively weaving history. Stephanie DeGooyer captivates

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