Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2015 - LBST 101 D100

Introducing Labour Studies (3)

Class Number: 4755

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2015: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 20, 2015
    Thu, 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:

The course is designed to survey selected concepts, themes, and issues of labour and industrial relations, including the perspective of workers and labour organizations. We will explore the changing nature of work, historical developments in workers’ institutions and organizations, as well as the impact of gender, age, immigration, race, and ethnicity. We will also critically examine the roles and actions of governments and unions in historical and contemporary labour movements, with a particular focus on the relations, politics, and challenges facing labour movements, collective bargaining, and workers’ rights issues today and into the future.

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Writing assignment #1 15%
  • Writing assignment #2 15%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

All requirements/assignments must be completed in good faith to receive a final grade.

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:

Andrew Jackson, Work and Labour in Canada: Critical Issues, 2nd Ed., (Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press, 2010) [Also available on Reserve at Bennett Library] 

Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed: On (not) Getting By in America., (New York: Picador, 2011). [On Reserve at Bennett Library]

Article links or downloadable documents available on Canvas under “Files” (Canvas).

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