Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - SA 360 D100

Special Topics in Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)

Work in the Crisis Economy

Class Number: 4840

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A seminar exploring a topic not regularly offered by the department.

COURSE DETAILS:

ST - Work in the Crisis Economy

What happens when work disappears? Over the past several decades, global capitalism has increasingly pushed workers worldwide into situations of temp, part-time, informal, and casualized employment (and unemployment). This course examines how recent developments in the global economy are fundamentally changing the experience and meaning of work. How is insecure employment reshaping worker identities and politics? What do these changes mean for youth, many of whom face uncertain employment prospects? Given that work provides not only an income but also a form of social belonging, how are unemployed workers reconstructing a sense of self and place in the world? And finally, what is to be done? What possibilities exist for organizing work in new ways or of providing for needs in what some are calling a post-work society? Through readings, films, and class discussions, we will approach these questions from a global comparative perspective. We will explore the lives of former steel workers in deindustrialized Chicago, the efforts of Argentine workers who took over closed factories in the wake of the 2001 economic crisis, “Stop Suicide” support groups among unemployed youth in Japan, and street protests by Italy’s movement of precarious workers, among others. Students will write weekly reading responses and two short essays that build toward a final paper that analyzes a film, piece of fiction, or other representation of precarious work in today’s world.

Grading

  • Seminar participation 20%
  • Reading responses 20%
  • First short essay 10%
  • Second short essay 15%
  • Drafts and Peer-review 5%
  • Final Paper 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

All graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01- S10.04). 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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Christine J. Walley, Exit Zero: Family and Class in Postindustrial Chicago (University of Chicago Press, 2013)

Additional articles and book chapters will be available through the SFU library and 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