Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2014 - LBST 101 D100

Introducing Labour Studies (3)

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2014
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to key concepts necessary for understanding the character and organization of work in contemporary society. The discussion of such issues as how our society decides who works, what the work will be, and under what conditions people work, will be situated in the context of current debates, trend and issues.

COURSE DETAILS:

Labour Studies 101 is an introduction to the critical study of work, workers, and the labour movement, focusing on Canada. We will examine the nature of wage work and its history, the role of trade unions in Canada, what work looks like now, and how it might look in the future. We will also look at the kinds of social differences that shape what counts as work and how it is valued: concepts like class, gender, and race. To do this, we will read academic sociology and history, but also first person narratives and comic books.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course students will have an understanding of the basic structure of work in Canada today, and will be introduced to important ideas about unions, capitalism, globalization, and labour markets.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Writing Assignment 1 15%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Writing Assignment 2 25%
  • Final Exam 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to come to class prepared, to participate in discussions and activities, and to follow policies on the use of technology in class and on respecting classmates. I will also expect you to be willing to think about and share your own experiences of work and to be open to a range of different kinds of readings.

All students are expected to read SFU’s policies concerning academic honesty and student conduct [S 10.01 and S10.04]. The policies can be read at this website: www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Errol Black and Jim Silver, Building a Better World: An Introduction to Trade Unionism in Canada, 2nd ed, (Black Point, NS: Fernwood Books, 2008).

Paul Buhle, ed., Studs Terkel’s Working: A Graphic Adaptation, (New York: The New Press, 2009).

Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed: On (not) getting by in America, (New York: Picador, 2011).

Andrew Jackson, Work and Labour in Canada: Critical Issues, 2nd Ed., (Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press, 2010).

There will be additional required readings for some weeks, which will be made available online. The complete reading list will be provided in the full syllabus.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS