Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - LBST 230 D200

Special Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Work/Empl in Glblzd World

Class Number: 8337

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Deborah Dergousoff
    ddergous@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 5079
    Office Hours: TH 13:00-14:00, or by appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A seminar devoted to the in-depth examination of a topic in Labour Studies not regularly offered by the Program. The course may be repeated for credit when different topics are offered.

COURSE DETAILS:

ST: Work and Employment in a Globalized World

Workers have long experienced oppression, exploitation and discrimination, not only in their work places but also in their everyday interactions with society and its institutions. Workers also have a long history of resisting oppression and exploitation, while advocating for a more equitable social order. In contemporary times, neoliberal restructuring has put up powerful barriers to labour organizing. This course will provide students with an introduction to neoliberal globalization and the world economy. We begin by critically examining the distorting priorities of neoliberal capitalism through the lens of flexible, deregulated and racialized labour. We then examine labour organizing in two key areas: transnational organizing of peasants and farm workers, and labour organizing in the informal economy, where multiple forms of disadvantage makes collective organization of any kind complex and difficult. Central to this course is designing and participating in a World Social Forum simulation through which you will have an opportunity to explore alternatives and possibilities for labour organizing and social change. Creativity and innovation is encouraged in all course work.

Grading

  • Critical reflections 20%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • WSF simulation project 50%

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 60-64 F 0-49
A- 85-89 B- 70-74 C- 55-59  
 
 
Centre for Students with Disabilities: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Desmarais, A. (2007). La Via Campesina: Globalization and the power of peasants. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing.
ISBN: 978-0-745327044

Kabeer, N., Sudarshan, R. & Milward, K. (2013). Organizing women workers in the informal economy: Beyond the weapons of the weak. London & New York: Zed Books.
ISBN: 978-1-780324517

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