Spring 2016 - LBST 328 D100
Labour Geographies (3)
Class Number: 2751
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Noah Quastel
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Prerequisites:
60 units; LBST 101 or GEOG 221.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines contemporary debates in Labour Geography and geographical approaches to work and employment. Lectures explore the relationships between space, place and labour market change in the context of globalization and uneven development. Students with credit for GEOG 328 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course will provide an introduction to research on the geography of employment. Students will learn theoretical perspectives, read case studies, and learn methodologies. The course will examine the micro-geography of the shop floor or office, changes in the types of work and structure of local labour markets and broader global processes that reshape work. We will examine reorganization of production processes, the growth of cultural, knowledge and service industries, and the trend towards increasingly insecure, individualized and “risky” forms of employment. Attention will be given to negotiations over the conditions of employment in particular sectors, shifting regulatory institutions and forms of worker resistance, as well as broader labour advocacy for social change.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Students will learn theoretical perspectives and research approaches developed by geographers for understanding the world of work. Close attention will be given to academic case studies that illustrate key themes and which show the varieties of work and workers struggles from Vancouver, North America and around the world. Students will learn to research, write and engage in dialogue about the work place and labour practices. Students will explore art, policy, activist and union documents, conduct interviews and have structured discussions in the classroom.
Grading
- Film /Music/Novel Review: 15%
- Interviewing Workers: 15%
- Work Experience Essay: 30%
- Exam: 40%
NOTES:
Please try to complete assignments on time. If you suspect that you are not going to be able to meet a submission deadline, speak to me about the circumstances you are facing – as much in advance as possible. In the event that an assignment is handed in late, a penalty of 2% per day will be subtracted from the paper’s 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:
All materials will be available through the SFU Library system, course website or publicly available by internet. We will draw from the textbook Castree, Noel; Neil M. Coe; Kevin Ward; & Michael Samers. (2004) Spaces of Work: Global Capitalism and Geographies of Labour. Sage (available through SFU Library as an ebook). Most classes will include additional readings, such as theoretical literature, policy documents and case studies.
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