Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2014 - LBST 101 D900

Introducing Labour Studies (3)

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2014
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

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:

In this course, we will examine the nature of work and class in Canada. We begin with looking at the concept of class and what it means to be working class. Then we move onto examining the history of working class organization in Canada and move onto an examination of the current state of the labour movement and working class politics. We will also look the contemporary nature of work and our economy. While our jobs often seem individual, isolated, temporary, even random, they are part of a global economic system, and so understanding work means understanding that system. We will think critically about work to better understand our own jobs, the Canadian economy, and globalization.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will allow students to learn about the labour movement in Canada and the United States with the focus being on Canada. In addition students will come away with an understanding of how class operates in society. This course will also provide students with the basic vocabulary for understanding concepts in the field of labour studies.   The course will draw on students' experiences and research, and we will develop research, writing, and presentation skills through the class assignments. In addition, lectures, tutorial discussions, films, and guest speakers will provide the tools we need to understand the increasingly complex world of work and labour. We'll stress themes of social justice, technology, labour relations, and the work process, ranging from contingent labour to the boardroom.

Grading

  • Participation (weekly participation and attendance) 15%
  • Short Assignments (tutorial assignments) 20%
  • Essay (essay on work experience) 35%
  • Midterm Exam (exam on terms, concepts, and history of labour) 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

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:

Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed: On not getting by in America (Owl, 2002)

Michael Zweig, The Working Class Majority (Cornell University Press, 2001)

Errol Black and Jim Silver, Building a Better World: an introduction to Trade unionism in Canada (Fernwood, 2001)

Mark Leier, Rebel Life: The Life and Times of Robert Gosden, Revolutionary, Mystic, Labour Spy 2nd edition (New Star Books )

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