Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LBST 301W D100

Labour, Social Media, and the News (3)

Class Number: 2898

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Instructor:

    John-Henry Harter
    jhharter@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-7693
    Office Hours: Wednesdays 1:15 – 2:15 and Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:30 pm and anytime by apt. on Zoom

  • Prerequisites:

    LBST 100 or LBST 101 or on permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary structure, issues, and perceptions of labour unions and other forms of working-class organization and social movements. The treatment of labour in the media and popular culture will provide an understanding of how labour is viewed in society, how labour views itself, and how working-class culture informs and is informed by the larger culture. Students with credit for LBST 301 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine contemporary labour and working-class issues and how they are reflected and framed in the news and on social media. The course will provide an understanding of how labour is viewed in society and how labour views itself. As this is a W designated writing class there are in class writing assignments that must be completed to complete the course.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will allow students to learn about the contemporary relationship between the labour movement and the media in different forms. It will also allow students to investigate how the news and social media frames our understanding of the labour movement and class issues more broadly. LBST 301 will also expand students’ knowledge of current concepts in the field of labour studies and politics. It will draw on students' experiences and research, and we will develop online research, writing, and presentation skills through the class assignments. In addition, lectures, class discussions, and films will provide the tools needed to understand the increasingly complex world of labour and media.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Media Frames of Labour Paper 30%
  • Revised Media Frames Paper 10%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final Reflection on Labour and Media 20%

NOTES:

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:

PREREQUISITES: LBST 100 or 101 is a prerequisite

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Additional assigned readings will be available online through Canvas.

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.