Spring 2016 - LBST 101 D200
Introducing Labour Studies (3)
Class Number: 9355
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 16, 2016
Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sessional
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Instructor:
Elizabeth Blackwood
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Instructor:
Sarah St. John
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. Breadth-Social Sciences.
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.
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 will be introduced to important ideas about unions, capitalism, globalization, and labour markets.
Grading
- Participation 20%
- Midterm Exam 20%
- Writing Assignment #1 15%
- Writing Assignment #2 - Research Essay 25%
- Final Exam 20%
NOTES:
The class participation mark is based on the quality AND the quantity of class participation. Thus, a student must attend weekly lectures AND show that they have read the required readings, pose interesting and meaningful questions and analyses and engage in debate, interaction, and argumentation. Students are strongly encouraged to keep up-to-date with current events, bring forward relevant topics and contemporary and/or historical events to class, and to apply these to readings and lecture material.
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