Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - LBST 301W D100

Labour Movements: Contemporary Issues and Images (3)

Class Number: 5009

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will give students a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary structure, issues, and perceptions of labour unions and other forms of working-class organization. It will focus on external and internal problems that the labour movement faces, such as labour law and state policy, employer strategies, bureaucracy, racism and sexism. 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 give students a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary structure,
issues, and perceptions of labour unions and other forms of working-class organization. It will
focus on external and internal problems that the labour movement faces, such as labour law and
state policy, employer strategies, bureaucracy, racism and sexism. 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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The objective of this course is to understand the specific workplace/economic, political, and
ideological contexts in which the labour movement is struggling today, in terms of how these
shape key issues and images. The focus is upon exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the
labour movement. If uncritical celebration of unions/other working-class organizations is found
in some quarters, uncritical criticism remains the dominant narrative in society. Arguably, only
by analyzing the weaknesses of the labour movement can alternatives to problems be found.
The seminar presentations, debates, readings, film clips, and guest speakers will help students to
critically engage with a range of scholarly and union/social activist perspectives on the ideas and
tactics of different classes in their mutually-constituted struggles.

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Course Diary: 15%
  • Fieldtrip Report: 15%
  • Book Review: 15%
  • Research Essay Proposal: 10%
  • Research Essay: 35%

NOTES:

In addition to the written assignments, students are expected to complete the weekly readings,
regularly attend seminars, and participate in classroom discussions.

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

REQUIREMENTS:

LBST 301 W has an optional fieldtrip & related assignment that may require travel by vehicle, public transit, or
foot during the scheduled class hours. Students that do not wish to participate in the fieldtrip will be provided
with an alternative assignment. Further details can be obtained from the instructor.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Ross, S., Savage, L., eds. 2012. Rethinking the Politics of Labour in Canada. Halifax: Fernwood.
(Available in the library. Most of the weekly readings will be made available on Canvas.)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS