Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - HIST 327 D100

Canadian Labor and Working Class History (4)

Canadian Labour

Class Number: 7897

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 101, 102W and 204.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the history of labor, primarily in English Canada, during the 19th and 20th centuries. The evolution of trade unions and labor-political movements will be examined together with the impact of industrialization, the rise of mass production, changing patterns of immigration and other contexts of working-class culture and material life. Special attention will be paid to British Columbia as a case study. Historically the course examines 'working class history' as a particular way of studying the past. What is the concept of 'the working class'?

COURSE DETAILS:

The course will examine the history of work and workers in Canada. Through a combination of lectures, films, small assignments, and class discussions we will consider the history of class struggle in Canada. We will examine how class, race, and gender divisions were exploited by employers and government to maintain hegemony. We will also consider the role of workers in the struggle for social and economic justice.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will allow students to learn about the history of the working class in Canada and how this history informs both the contemporary labour movement and class issues more broadly. This course will also expand students’ knowledge of current concepts in the field of labour history, and class politics. The course will draw on students' experiences as they develop research, writing, and presentation skills through the class assignments. In addition, lectures, class discussions, and activities will provide the tools we need to use history to help understand the relationship between labour and capital.

Grading

  • Participation (weekly participation and reading notes) 15%
  • Place yourself in history (place yourself in history paper ) 25%
  • Outline/Annotated Bibliography (outline and bibliography for final project) 20%
  • Final Project 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All texts are available online through Canvas


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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