Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2014 - LBST 330 D300

Selected Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Exam Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly recommended: LBST 101 and/or 301.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of issues related to work and/or trade unions not offered in regular courses. Students who have completed special temporary topics course LBST 389 cannot complete this course for further credit when it is offered as "Studying Labour Through Film."

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores labour issues in reform-era China. In relation to China’s accelerated integration with the global market, this course examines the impacts of China's economic and social transition on labour in both urban and rural areas. It will focus on how state policy changes under a market-oriented economy affect the distinct experiences of male and female labour in different geographical areas.

The course will focus on labour issues related to different groups of workers, such as urban-based workers, unemployed workers, rural migrant workers, and agricultural workers. Throughout the course both gender and class will form the basis of an analysis to understand the transition and economic development policies in various historical periods in China. In so doing, we will question assumptions about the nature of social reproduction in each era, and analyze current economic development paths in China. Through feminist perspectives and labour economic theories, this course will come to an interdisciplinary understanding of the course themes. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will gain an understanding of how economic reforms in China has affected labour, as well as the changing structure and conditions of labour in contemporary China.

Grading

  • Attendance: 5%
  • Participation: 10%
  • Group Work and Presentation: 25%
  • Mid-term Test: 20%
  • Research Paper (10-12 pages): 40%

REQUIREMENTS:

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Journal Articles. Access through SFU computing ID.

Selected book chapters on Canvas. Access through SFU computing ID.

Articles on websites.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Barry Naughton, The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth. (Cambridge; London: The MIT Press, 2007). 

Lee, Ching Kwan (ed), Working in China: ethnographies of labor and workplace transformation (Routledge, 2007)  

Tim Pringle, Trade Unions in China: the Challenge of Labour Unrest. (Routledge, 2011). 

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