Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - LBST 312 B100

Migration, Migrants, and Work: A Global Perspective (3)

Class Number: 7686

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2024
    Sat, 12:20–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Xinying Hu
    xinyingh@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:00 pm

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Global labour migration has increased substantially in the last several decades. What factors contribute to the current wave of labour migration? Which countries send and receive migrants, and what is the role of internal migration? What challenges do migrant workers face in their host countries? This course will examine these questions to uncover the nature, trends and impacts of this growing phenomenon. Students who have taken LBST 330 Global Labour Migration may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Migration as a global phenomenon has become increasingly significant since the 1980s. What dynamics and drivers have contributed to migration? Who is a migrant? What kind of work do migrants do? Which countries send and receive migrant workers? What is the influence of remittances from these workers on poverty reduction and social equality? What challenges do migrant workers face in their host countries? What roles do nation-states, international institutions, labour organizations and migrants themselves play in improving the conditions of migrant labour? This course will examine these questions and try to uncover the nature, trends and impacts of this growing phenomenon.

Throughout the course, students will use analysis related to globalization and migration theories to analyze various reasons people migrate; and concepts of gender, race and class to analyze the multifaceted challenges encountered by migrants. Furthermore, students will explore strategies for organizing migrant labour into regional, national and global labour movements.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course students will be able to:

  1. Gain an understanding of the structural roots of global labour migration.
  2. Critically analyze the labour experiences of migrants and the systemic disparities within the contemporary global economy.
  3. Analyze national policy and international standards on migrant labour.
  4. Understand how migrant workers and labour organizations have developed strategies to fight for migrant workers’ rights in Canada and around the world.

Grading

  • In-person participation 5%
  • Online engagement 10%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Creative project 15%
  • Final exam (take-home) 30%

NOTES:

All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned.

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

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Labour Studies Program follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

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:

There is no set text or courseware for this course. All required weekly readings will be accessible via SFU library, Canvas or public websites.


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