Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LBST 306 B100

The Political Economy of Labour Markets: Critical and Radical Approaches (3)

Class Number: 3005

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Amy Krauss
    akrauss@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: meetings in person Mondays after class 4:30-5:30, or by appointment on zoom

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of critical and radical political economy traditions in Labour Studies with a focus on how these approaches have diverged from, and provided alternatives to, classical and orthodox economic understandings of labour and labour markets.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores Marx’s critique of political economy along with thinkers across various disciplines who have taken up and revised his concepts. Starting with classical political economists, Smith, Ricardo, and Locke, and Marx’s engagement with them, we will trace the development of critical and radical political economic frameworks within postcolonial and antiimperialist struggles, the Black Radical tradition, and feminist theory. Students will gain an understanding of how these traditions have diverged from, and provided alternatives to, orthodox understandings of economy and the capitalist organization of our social, political, and material life.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Gain knowledge and understanding of key thinkers and approaches in the critical and radical political economy traditions.
  • Understand how their concepts and frameworks provide alternative conceptualizations of value, labor, nature, human being, family, history, and class dynamics.
  • Demonstrate how those concepts shift how we understand contemporary labour struggles and their intersection with social movements.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation (including one presentation and one assigned reading response) 25%
  • Mid-term exam 25%
  • Research paper proposal 25%
  • Final Research Paper 5-6 pages 25%

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:

This is a reading-intensive course. Students are expected to read assigned texts closely, take notes, and come to class ready for discussion. Readings will be made available on Canvas or will be on reserve in the library. The format of the course will combine lectures with seminar-style discussion and debate. Starting the second week of the course, students will present core concepts and questions from the readings to begin class discussion. There will also be a midterm short essay exam in class and a final research paper.

Laptops and phones are not permitted during class-time unless they are needed as assistance for learning.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All materials will made available on canvas.

 

REQUIRED READING:

N/A

RECOMMENDED READING:

N/A

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.