Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2015 - LBST 330 D100

Selected Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Class Number: 3088

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2015: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Linda Elmose

  • 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:

Labour and Globalization


The course is designed to enable students to more deeply understand the myriad challenges posed by neoliberal, market-led globalization on workers and the nature of work itself. Globalization—defined as the increasing interconnectivity and interconnections in the world –  is associated with a “New Economy” emphasizing the freedom of profit-seeking corporations, and the deregulation of labour markets to create a flexible labour force. In our class discussions, we seek to answer such questions as: How has the global economy evolved? How much are growing inequalities in the labor market driven by economic globalization? Are we witnessing a global race to the bottom in social standards? What measures could be taken to improve labor market outcomes? The course is divided into two main parts. Part 1 focuses on the various impacts of global free trade and liberalization of finance on the organization of labour around the globe. Topics cover the rise of export processing zones, various divisions of labour, outsourcing and offshoring of jobs, the travails of women and migrant workers, and the increasing inequalities occurring both within states and between state. Part 2 of the course concentrates on the solutions to the problems faced by workers. We look to transborder union activism and social movements; the state and global governance efforts of the International Labor Organization, and even the potential for transnational corporations to behave in a socially responsible way. .

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Better understand the concepts of globalization, neoliberalism, capitalism, including their actors, institutions, structures, and processes. 
  • Understand and discuss the varied impacts of neoliberal globalization on workers and the changing nature of work. 
  • Identify and evaluate the possible solutions to the difficulties confronted by workers today. 
  • Articulate and write their ideas in a coherent, persuasive and manner, evidencing critical thinking.

Grading

  • Class participation & reflections journal 10%
  • Team project (case study or book review) 20%
  • Midterm (covers 1st half of course) 15%
  • Research essay (with abstract) 30%
  • Final exam (in class, covers 2nd half of course) 25%

NOTES:

Participation in class discussions and in the inter-active lectures is highly valued and will be carefully assessed. Preparing your readings in advance of each class, as well as keeping apprised of what is going on in the “real world”, will assist you in garnering participation marks. There will also be pair/small team work and quizzes that will enable you to gain participation marks by working collaboratively. A reflections journal (about 5 entries of your choosing) will enable you to think critically about some of the issues we cover in class.  

There are two assessments of your learning in the course, a mid-term (covering the materials and discussions from the first half of the course) and a final exam (covering the last half of the course). The team project will consist of your choice of a book review or a case study on a recent, relevant event/issue in labour studies, and consists of two parts: an oral presentation (ungraded) and a two-three-page short essay. The longer, final research essay’s length will total approximately 2500 to 3500 words (10-12 pages) and employ a minimum of eight academic or respectable sources (i.e. academic journal articles, book chapters, government or research institute report). To assist you in writing the research essay, you will first submit an abstract (300 words maximum) and an annotated bibliography of three sources you plan to use in the paper. All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned.

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:

Required readings will be available electronically through Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

A list of recommended reading will be provided on the course syllabus, and made available electronically on 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