Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2016 - LBST 330 D200

Selected Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Work in the 21st Century

Class Number: 6325

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 10, 2016
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly recommended: LBST 101 and/or 301.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of issues related to work and/or trade unions not offered in regular courses. Students who have completed special temporary topics course LBST 389 cannot complete this course for further credit when it is offered as "Studying Labour Through Film."

COURSE DETAILS:

ST - The Future of Work in the 21st Century

The world of work has been undergoing some dramatic shifts over the past decades: Ubiquitous supercomputing, artificially-intelligent robots, self-driving cars, trucks and planes; 3D printing machines, micro-manufacturing, the shift toward a knowledge-based economy or a sharing economy (e.g. Uber). These are just some of the dramatic transformations we are confronting globally thanks to the twenty-first century realities of global connectivity, the Internet, distributed or “open source” knowledge, networked environments, and quite possibly, a post-capitalist transition. Although we cannot be certain what the future holds, it is clear that the future of work will be characterized by numerous changes that imply manifold challenges and opportunities for employed individuals, employers, worker organizations, markets and the state.  

This course will explore the future of work, with a particular focus on identifying the causes (or “drivers”) and implications of the changing nature of work and its organization, newfound and vanished future jobs/industries, and requisite labour skills as we progress into the twenty-first century. Taking on a multi-perspective approach, we will consider the projections of futurists – past and present—through the lenses of labour, political economy, economics, business, demographics and geopolitics. We will learn and apply methods to prognosticate, developing various scenarios on the future of work and the impacts on people, families, cities, and nations. To conclude, we will evaluate some solutions to potential problems facing future workers, inclusive of collaborative production, collective governance, enhanced education and human capital, networked technology in an open, sharing non-market system where people exercise real choice over their work.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  • Understand the theories and methods employed for studying the future and the “long view”
  • Identify, evaluate and extrapolate current trends related to the nature of work and corporations
  • Discuss the varied impacts of structural changes, including technology and  neoliberal globalization, on workers and work
  • Identify and critically assess “drivers” of change, and possible solutions to the difficulties confronted by workers of the future
  • Articulate and write their ideas in a coherent, persuasive and manner, evidencing critical thinking
  • Gain valuable numeracy skills in reading and interpreting graphs, tables, charts, and statistics
  • Work collaboratively to problem solve, by thinking critically, constructively and creatively.

Grading

  • Participation, Reflections & Reading Quizzes 10%
  • Team Project (Case Study or Book Review) 20%
  • Mid-term (Covers 1st half of course) 15%
  • Research Essay (with Abstract) 30%
  • Final Exam (Covers 2nd half of course) 25%

NOTES:

Instruction in the course follows a highly interactive, participatory approach involving dynamic class discussion on the lecture and reading materials. Students’ participation and sharing of ideas is highly valued and will be carefully assessed.

REQUIREMENTS:

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

All students are expected to read SFU’s policies concerning academic honesty and student conduct (S 10.01 - S10.04). The policies can be read at this website: www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings -- inclusive of book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, research institute reports-- will be available electronically through Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

A list of recommended reading will be provided on the course syllabus, and made available electronically on Canvas.  Several books will be placed on SFU’s Library reserve shelves.

Registrar Notes:

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site contains information on what is meant by academic dishonesty and where you can find resources to help with your studies.  There is also a section on tutoring.  

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS