Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - LBST 330 D200

Selected Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Labour & Education

Class Number: 2181

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Sherry Breshears
    sdbreshe@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 6080
    Office Hours: Tu 10:00-11:00

  • 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 examines various intersections of labour, class and education. We will discuss class, intersectionality and colonialism in educational contexts, and consider how schooling reproduces or interrupts class systems and labour market outcomes. We will look at the social positioning of teachers in educational processes and learn how unions address both the working conditions of teachers and learning conditions of students. Finally, we will examine the role of labour education for class mobilization. Course activities include lectures, readings, videos/films, guest speakers and discussions as well as student research, writing and presentations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course objectives are for students to develop a critical understanding of:

  • the development of schooling as a classed system and a site of resistance
  • how educational processes are entwined with identity, labour markets and neoliberal politics
  • the history, feminization and control of teachers’ work
  • the role of unions in addressing teacher working conditions, student learning conditions and social justice issues
  • approaches to labour education

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Assignment 1 25%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Assignment 2 35%

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

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:

All required readings will be available online through the SFU Library, on reserve, or on Canvas.

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.