Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - LBST 307 D100

Unfree Labour and Modem Slavery: Understanding Coercion and Exploitation in Contemporary (3)

Class Number: 9033

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Laya Behbahani
    1 778 782-9483

  • Prerequisites:

    LBST 101 is strongly recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the expanding forms of unfree labour in capitalist economies as products of changing labour processes, global labour markets, and the policies of neoliberalism and 'austerity.'

COURSE DETAILS:

This course considers the most severe forms of unfree labour and modern slavery and the ways in which a state security versus human security approach is related to the growing numbers of displaced persons, irregular migration trends and more specifically, reported incidences of human trafficking against the backdrop of neoliberal economic and social policies.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

We begin by critically engaging the concept of unfree labour, which has consumed much of contemporary international debates across the political spectrum. The impacts of law and policy development are considered in relation to international trade, focusing on contemporary forms of modern slavery. We will pay close attention to questions of gender, race, and inequality in the construction and reproduction of international markets, as well as to the role of various agents and social movements in contesting and reinforcing these relations. We will aim to critically reflect on contemporary narratives about the public policy concerning unfree labour and modern slavery in order to arrive at a socially nuanced international political economy explanation of labour.

Grading

  • Mid-term Exam 25%
  • Research Paper Proposal 10%
  • Research Paper 40%
  • Presentation and Participation 25%

NOTES:

This is a rigorous course emphasizing the close and critical reading of texts and persuasive writing. From week four onwards, the course will run as a student-led, text-based seminar discussion. Written requirements include a short integrative essay and a proposal and longer research paper on a topic of the student’s choice (within the broad theme of human trafficking in the international political economy). Course requirements also include peer-review writing workshops to be held two weeks before the deadline to submit research papers, as well as a group presentation.

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:

Allain, J. (2012) The Legal Understanding of Slavery: From the Historical to the Contemporary. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press.

Burke, M. C. (2013) Human Trafficking: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. New York: N.Y. Routledge.

Christen Van Den Anker (2004) The Political Economy of the New Slavery. New York, N.Y.: Palgrave.

Allain, J. (2012) Slavery in International Law: Of Human Exploitation and Trafficking. Leiden, Boston: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.

Other readings available online and through SFU library reserves.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Shiro, O. & Shelley, L. (2011). Human Security, Transnational Crime and Human Trafficking: Asian and Western Perspectives. New York, N.Y.: Routledge.

ILO (2005) A Global Alliance against Forced Labour: Global Report under the Follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Geneva: International Labour Organization [available online].

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