Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - LBST 301W J100

Labour Movements: Issues, Images and Popular Culture (3)

Class Number: 2063

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 6:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    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 framed by different media. The course 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 popular culture.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will allow students to learn about the contemporary relationship between the labour movement and the media in all its forms. It will also allow students to investigate how popular culture frames our understanding of the both the labour movement and class issues more broadly. This course will also expand students’ knowledge of current concepts in the field of labour studies and politics.

The course will draw on students' experiences and research, and we will develop research, writing, and presentation skills through the class assignments. In addition, lectures, tutorial discussions, films, and guest speakers will provide the tools we need to understand the increasingly complex world of labour and media.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Media paper 20%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Research proposal and annotated bibliography 5%
  • Final paper 30%

NOTES:

All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned. The Morgan Centre for Labour Studies follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and misconducted procedures (S10.01-S10.04). It is the responsibility of the students to inform themselves of the content of these policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Martin, C. (2003). Framed: Labor and the Corporate Media. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. 
ISBN: 978-0-801488870

Storey, J. (2018). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction (8th ed.). Toronto: Pearson.
ISBN: 978-0-415786638

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