Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - LBST 101 D100

Introducing Labour Studies (3)

Class Number: 4975

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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 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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will allow students to learn about the labour movement in 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 will further develop online research, writing, and discussion skills through the online class assignments. In addition, short PowerPoint lectures, online discussions, and films will provide the tools we need to understand the increasingly complex world of work and labour. We'll stress themes of social justice, labour relations, and the work process, ranging from contingent labour to the boardroom.

Grading

  • Online participation 15%
  • Short assignments 30%
  • Short essay 15%
  • Final essay 40%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Universal Access Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera and internet access. Most laptops and desktops are running OSX and Windows. Tablets may be Android, iOS or Windows based. Headsets are advised but not necessary. Note that students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here.

REQUIRED READING:

Carroll, W. K., &  Sapinski, J. P. (2018). Organizing the 1%: How Corporate Power Works. Black Point, NS: Fernwood.
ISBN: 978-1-552668900

Ehrenreich, B. (2011). Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America. London: Picador Books.
ISBN: 978-0-312626686

Ross, S., Savage, L., Black, E., & Silver, J. (2015). Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada. Black Point, NS: Fernwood.
ISBN: 978-1-552667873

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.