Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - LBST 312 D100

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

Class Number: 5293

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Xinying Hu
    xinyingh@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ6080
    Office Hours: Th 3:00pm-4:30pm. In-person or zoom.

  • 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

  • Attendance and contribution 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Creative Project 15%
  • Research Ppaper 30%

NOTES:

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

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

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.