Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2015 - LBST 101 D100

Introducing Labour Studies (3)

Class Number: 4134

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2015
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.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, trends 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 key concepts in Labour Studies, and what makes it unique: that it takes the experiences of working people as the starting point for understanding the economy and labour markets. The course will explore the nature of wage work and its history, what work looks like now, the role of trade unions in Canada, and how work might look in the future. We will also look at how social differences shape what counts as work and how it is valued, drawing on concepts like class, gender, and race. To do this we will use a variety of sources, from academic works to first person narratives and films.

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 how it relates to concepts like capitalism, globalization, the labour movement, and inequality.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Writing Assignment 20%
  • Take-home Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

Plagiarism is taken very seriously at SFU and will not be tolerated. If you plagiarize you are not only trying to cheat me, but you are also cheating yourself and your fellow students. Textspinning, buying or copying essays, or re-using work from other courses is not allowed. Be careful about what you copy from the internet and be sure you understand how to cite other people’s work. There will be a workshop on library resources, citing sources, etc. to help you understand where to find academic materials and how to use them in your work without unintentionally plagiarizing another writer’s work. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

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.

The participation mark will be made up of attendance and short writing exercises.

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:

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

Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada, 3rd Edition. Edited by Stephanie Ross, Larry Savage, Errol Black and Jim Silver, (Winnipeg: Fernwood Press, 2015).

RECOMMENDED READING:

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).

Rethinking the Politics of Labour in Canada. Edited by Stephanie Ross and Larry Savage, (Winnipeg: Fernwood Press, 2012).

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