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

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.