RESEARCH TOPIC

THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, 1820s-1990s:
A Social, Economic and Political History of the Borderlands


TOPIC DESCRIPTION

To trace and examine the social, economic, and political organization and representation of the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. Students will trace an analytical trajectory from conflict and constestation to cooperation and integration among border actors, keeping in mind that while conflict characterizes the history of the interactions among border actors since the 17th century, the growing social interdependence and economic integration of border life in the 20th century also need to be analyzed. Focusing on the cultural and social formations of Anglo-Americans, Native Americans, and Mexican Americans in a dynamic contact zone, the analysis of the border phenomenon and experience should include references to public policy, ethnohistory, and literary responses of the diverse cultures in transition.

SOME SUGGESTED TEXTS: