Spring 2018 - LBST 101 E100
Introducing Labour Studies (3)
Class Number: 13030
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 12, 2018
Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Benjamin Anderson
bja19@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 6218
Office Hours: Thursdays 16:00-17:00 or by appointment
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:
Work is a constant in everyday life. Much of what we do in life and in society is organized around work, around jobs. But why do we work? What are the social relations that compel us to spend around a third of our days at a job? This course provides a critical introduction to the study of labour and the ways in which it influences our lives. It will introduce considerations of exploitation, alienation, precarity, and organization.
This course will survey critical concepts and theoretical/research streams within the field of Labour Studies. It will introduce students to the theoretical underpinnings of concepts like work, class, and alienation while situating these concepts within the history of the labour movement in Canada, the United States and beyond. It will also challenge students to think critically about the composition of the ‘working class’ by considering intersections between class, gender, and race. Finally, it will situate the theoretical foundations of labour studies and the history of worker organizing against contemporary trends of austerity, globalization, and newly forming social movements. It is intended to introduce students to the range of topics, perspectives, and research paradigms commonly grouped under the umbrella of Labour Studies.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Although course case studies and examples will often center on the Canadian labour movement and Canadian working lives, students will be challenged to consider these in relation to a wider historical and global context. How can we, as scholars situated in Canada (and on unceded Coast Salish land), better understand the interrelations of working conditions here and across the globe.
Additionally, the course will introduce key concepts and terminology that will prepare students for further work in Labour Studies.
Course materials, lectures, and assignments will challenge students to apply what they learn to their own experiences in work and life. As this is a survey course, students will confront the ever-more complex world of work and their position within it, accentuated through themes of equity, social justice, technology, and the labour process.
Grading
- Participation 10%
- Reflection paper 10%
- Group presentation 15%
- Midterm exam 30%
- Final paper 35%
NOTES:
All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned. The Morgan Centre for Labour Studies follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and misconducted procedures (S10.01-S10.04). It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of these policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.
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:
Graphic History Collective. (2016). Drawn to Change: Graphic Histories of Working-Class Struggle. Toronto: Between the Lines.
ISBN: 978-1771132572
Ross, S., Savage, L., Black, E., and Silver, J. (2015). Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada. (3rd edition). Winnipeg: Fernwood.
ISBN: 978-1552667873
Other readings will be made available on Canvas.
RECOMMENDED READING:
de Calan, R. (2015). The Ghost of Karl Marx. Zurich: Diaphanes.
(Also available in e-book format.)
ISBN: 978-3037345450
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