Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics or International Relations. Jointly offered with MLAW315. Credit only granted for GVPT319N or MLAW315.

This is a two-part course. Students must also take the 1-credit Naturalization Workshop Practicum, GVPT319W, in the spring semester.

For permission to register, contact Karmin Cortes kcortes@umd.edu

Notions of who is an American - and who is not - are deeply rooted in the American ethos. Although the United States has long been praised forits inclusiveness vis-a-vis citizenship - including a policy of jus soli, or birthright citizenship - a closer look reveals a difficult history involving the categorical exclusion of many groups from Americancitizenship. We will examine this history, focusing particularlyon Black and Native Americans and immigrants, and drawing upon legal cases,historical texts, and personal narratives detailing thelived experiences of those seeking American citizenship. We will trace this history to the present and explore the current process and requirements for becoming an American citizen. Students will have an opportunity to engage guests anddiscussions from the Maryland Carey School of Law and other experts.