Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LBST 202 D100

Labour Research for Social Change: Methods and Approaches (3)

Class Number: 2897

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    LBST 100 or LBST 101 is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to labour research through methodology and research methods for social change. Explores what methodology is, the methods common in labour and community-based research, and understandings of social justice. Students gain experience of quantitative and qualitative approaches through hands-on learning, including survey research, interviews, and ethnography. Focuses on using and interpreting a range of data for social justice and social change projects.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduces students to labour research through methodology and research methods for social change. By exploring what methodology is, the methods common in labour research, and understandings of social justice, students gain experience of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including survey research, analysis of pre-existing statistics, interviews, as well as others. Quantitative methods and analysis focus on using and interpreting quantitative data and statistics for social justice and social change.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon satisfactory completion of the course students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of key labour-oriented research methods grounded in social justice aims.
  2. Identify appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting research on work-related topics.
  3. Interpret labour statistics and present findings effectively through Canadian datasets, including the Labour Force Survey and Census.
  4. Conduct descriptive statistical analysis, including designing graphs and tables.
  5. Apply basic statistical inference and regression analysis.
  6. Conduct small-scale original research projects using quantitative, qualitative methods and data.

Grading

  • In class activities 20%
  • Lab assignments (10% X 3) 30%
  • Social justice research toolkit (group project) 15%
  • Research poster 35%

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 withdraws 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 A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are 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-S10.05).  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: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.    

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

This course requires close engagement with the assigned readings, class participation, and the completion of assignments, including a final research project. The format of the course will combine lectures with seminar-style discussion, in class exercises, and tutorials (which will take place during class time in the computer lab).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Gray, David E., 2022. Doing Research in the Real World. Fifth Edition. Sage.
  2. Sande, A.van de & Byvelds, C., 2015. Statistics for social justice: a structural perspective. Fernwood Publishing.
  3. Brown, L.A. & Strega, S., 2015. Research as resistance: revisiting critical, indigenous, and anti-oppressive approaches. Second edition. Canadian Scholars Press. E-book available at the library through SFU ID.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.