Rachael Joo

This class was very interesting! Professor Joo is very engaging and passionate about the course. The class is overall not very difficult, but you do need to do some of the readings in order to participate and complete the essay. Other than group projects, one exam, and an essay, the course does not have much other assigned work. I definitely reccomend it

I loved this class Professor Joo is the best! There was a lot of reading but it was so interesting and you could get away with not reading everything and she was always willing to help students with anything they needed

Immigrant America is a compelling and intellectually rich course that examines immigration through historical, social, and political lenses. The class encourages students to move beyond surface-level narratives and engage critically with the complexities of immigration in the United States, including questions of identity, policy, labor, and belonging. The readings are well-curated and span a range of time periods and perspectives, allowing students to see how immigration has shaped—and continues to shape—American society. Discussions play a central role in the course, challenging students to analyze primary sources, question assumptions, and connect historical patterns to contemporary debates. Writing assignments emphasize argumentation and evidence, helping students develop stronger analytical skills. At times, the material can be dense and emotionally challenging, especially when addressing exclusion, discrimination, and inequality. However, these difficulties are part of what makes the course impactful and worthwhile. Overall, Immigrant America is a highly engaging course that deepens students’ understanding of U.S. history while sharpening their ability to think critically about one of the most important and ongoing issues in American society.

Immigrant America is a compelling and intellectually rich course that examines immigration through historical, social, and political lenses. The class encourages students to move beyond surface-level narratives and engage critically with the complexities of immigration in the United States, including questions of identity, policy, la …Read more