Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - LBST 311 D100

Labour and the Environment (3)

Class Number: 3132

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2019
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units. Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The changing relationships between unions and environmental groups; how work in various industries contribute to climate change; and how climate-change policies affect workers in different ways. The consequences of climate policies for different categories of workers, identified by economic sector, geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and Aboriginal status.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine the nature of work and the environment in North America with a focus on Canada. We will examine the historic relationship between labour and the environment and how workers and the issue of class has been both included and excluded in the mainstream environmental discourse.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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 the environment with a focus on climate change. In addition students will be asked to engage in critical discussions on a number of important and controversial topics related to labour, the environment, and climate change.

Grading

  • Seminar partcipation 25%
  • Research outline 10%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Essay 45%

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  
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:

Gottlieb, Robert. (2005). Forcing the Spring: The Transformation of the American Environmental Movement. Washington, DC: Island Press.
ISBN: 978-1-559638326

Klein, Naomi. (2015). This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. Chicago, Island Press.
ISBN: 978-0-307402004

Lipsig-Mummé, Carla and McBride, Stephen. (Eds.). (2015). Work in a Warming World. Montreal and Kingston: Queen's University Press.
ISBN: 978-1-553394327

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