Spring 2019 - LBST 101 D900
Introducing Labour Studies (3)
Class Number: 7004
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 18, 2019
Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
John-Henry Harter
jhharter@sfu.ca
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:
In this course, we will examine the nature of work and class in Canada. We begin with looking at the concept of class and what it means to be working class. Then we move onto examining the history of working class organization in Canada and move onto an examination of the current state of the labour movement and working class politics. We will also look the contemporary nature of work and our economy. While our jobs often seem individual, isolated, temporary, even random, they are part of a global economic system, and so understanding work means understanding that system. We will think critically about work to better understand our own jobs, the Canadian economy, and globalization.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
This course will allow students to learn about the labour movement in Canada and the United States with the focus being on Canada. In addition students will come away with an understanding of how class operates in society. This course will also provide students with the basic vocabulary for understanding concepts in the field of labour studies.
The course will draw on students' experiences and research, and we will develop research, writing, and presentation skills through the class assignments. In addition, lectures, tutorial discussions, films, and guest speakers will provide the tools we need to understand the increasingly complex world of work and labour.
Grading
- Participation 25%
- Essay 40%
- Midterm exam 35%
NOTES:
Grading System: Undergraduate Course Grading System is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing to indicate the student did not complete). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:
| A+ 95-100 | B+ 80-84 | C+ 65-69 | D 50-54 |
| A 90-94 | B 75-79 | C 60-54 | F 0-49 |
| A- 85-89 | B- 70-74 | C- 55-59 |
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Ehrenreich, Barbara. (2011). Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America. New York: Picador Press.
ISBN: 978-0-312626686
Ross, Stephanie, Savage, Larry, Black, Errol, & Silver, Jim. (2015). Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada (3rd ed.). Black Point, NS: Fernwood Publishing.
ISBN: 978-1-552667873
Zweig, Michael. (2011). The Working Class Majority. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
ISBN: 978-0-801477331
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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