Spring 2025 - LBST 100 D100

Equality and Inequality at Work (3)

Class Number: 2611

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Xinying Hu
    xinyingh@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ6080
    Office Hours: Tu 12:30pm-2:00pm. In-person or zoom.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces concepts of equality, inequality, diversity, and inclusion as we experience them at work. Includes discussion of what counts as work, who does paid and unpaid work, and how workers challenge inequality and discrimination. Examines how contemporary experiences in Canada of inequality at work are shaped by ongoing colonialism, racialization, gendering, class and other forms of social difference. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduces students to the concepts of equality, inequality, diversity, and inclusion as we experience them in the world of work. Includes discussion of what counts as work, who does paid and unpaid work, and how workers challenge inequality and discrimination through collective action. Examines how contemporary experiences of inequality at work in Canada are shaped by ongoing colonialism, racialization, gendering, class and other forms of social difference.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  1. Understand the concepts of equality, inequality and equity as they relate to employment, labour markets and unpaid work.
  2. Discuss and assess what counts as work under capitalism and how capitalism in Canada is related to settler colonialism, slavery, and labour migration.
  3. Explore and understand differences in paid and unpaid work and the devaluation of some jobs, sectors and workers.
  4. Analyze categories of difference such as race, gender and class and how they intersect in people’s everyday lives to shape employment experiences and outcomes.
  5. Critically assess concepts like multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion in employment policy and labour law.
  6. Understand how people have struggled against inequality and discrimination at work in diverse and creative ways.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 15%
  • Written assignments (2) 30%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final exam (invigilated open book exam) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

This course will utilize a variety of readings and films. Readings will be available online and through the library reserve system.


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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.