Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - LBST 330 D100

Selected Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Labour in China

Class Number: 2519

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101 and/or 301.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics in areas not currently offered within the undergraduate course offerings. Students may take more than one offering of LBST Selected Topics courses for credit, as long as the topic for each offering is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores labour issues in reform-era China. In relation to China’s integration and growing influence in the global market, this course examines the impacts of China's economic and social transition on labour in both urban and rural areas. It will focus on how state policy changes under a market-oriented economy affect the distinct experiences of male and female labour in different geographical areas.

The course will focus on labour issues related to different groups of workers, such as urban-based workers, unemployed workers, rural migrant workers, and agricultural workers. Throughout the course both gender and class will form the basis of an analysis to understand the transition and economic development policies in various historical periods in China. In so doing, we will question assumptions about the nature of social reproduction in each era, and analyze current economic development paths in China. Through feminist perspectives and labour economic theories, this course will come to an interdisciplinary understanding of the course themes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will gain an understanding of how economic reforms in China has affected labour and labour markets, as well as the changing structure and conditions of labour in contemporary China.

Grading

  • Attendance & participation 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Research paper (10-12 pg) 30%
  • Final exam (in-class) 20%

NOTES:

Grading: The letter grade N (incomplete) is given when a student has enrolled for a course, but did not write the final examination or otherwise failed to complete the coursework, and did not withdraw from the course before the deadline date. An N is considered and F for purposes of scholastic standing.

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).

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 Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (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:

Estlund, C. (2017). A New Deal for China’s Workers? Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

(Available online)
ISBN: 978-0-674971394

Hui, E. S. (2018). Hegemonic Transformation: The State, Laws, and Labour Relations in Post-Socialist China. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

(Available online)
ISBN: 978-1-349958863

Also:

  • Online journal articles
  • Select book chapters (Canvas)
  • Online articles

RECOMMENDED READING:

Chan, A. (2018). Chinese Workers in Comparative Perspective. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

(Available online)
ISBN: 978-0-801479939

Gallagher, M. E. (2017). Authoritarian Legality in China: Law, Workers, and the State. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 978-1-107444485

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