Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - LBST 306 D100

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

Class Number: 11332

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    John Irwin
    jirwin@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Wednesdays 13:00-14:00

  • 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 the structures of the critical and radical political economy traditions in the field of Labour Studies. It delves into how the critical and radical approaches have provided alternative conceptions to classical and orthodox economics.

After introducing classical economics (Ricardo, Smith, Bentham and Mill), the course sets out by covering some key theorists that have framed alternatives to economic orthodoxy (Marx, Gramsci, Marcuse, Galbraith, etc.).

It will focus on the issues faced by the contemporary labour movement in the current political economic context, including: feminism/sexism; racism/anti-colonial movements; environmental movements (both neocolonial and anti-colonial); health and labour; anti-child labour and anti-globalization movements (including anti-‘free trade’, Occupy, and Idle No More). Attention is paid in particular to the role of labour in political economic systems, how the labour movement engages with other movements, and how 'working-class values' relate to dominant class interests.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Critical evaluation of texts and sources, strategies for articulating and validating your findings, the application of quantitative and qualitative reasoning, the use of various research tools, a grounding in political economy, and the strengthening of written, oral, and process communication skills.

You will have the tools to analyze the emerging models of labour studies. You will attain substantive knowledge of labour movements, labour markets, and class dynamics.

You will come away with an ability to apply radical and critical political economics to analyze current labour market issues and the impact of new social movements on labour markets in both the global South and the global North.

Grading

  • Seminar presentations 25%
  • Critical review 15%
  • Labour issue presentation 10%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Term project 45%

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 students to inform themselves of the content of these policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

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:

The course grade will be determined as follows:

  1. Seminar Presentations (25%) - Students will discuss the readings and lectures. Students will be assigned to present a weekly critical review of a course reading to the other class members throughout the course (15%), and students will choose a pertinent labour issue and present it (10%).
  2. Term Project (45%) - The paper should be 3,000 words maximum and properly referenced. It will be graded on the basis of content, argument, organization, and style and will be worth 45% of the final grade. An outline is handed in ahead of time. Due dates for the outline will be agreed upon with the instructor.
  3. Mid-term exam (30%) – A mid-term exam will be held in week six or seven.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Barone, C.A. (2015). Radical Political Economy: A Concise Introduction. Florence: Taylor and Francis.
[electronic resource available from SFU library]
ISBN: 978-0765613653

There will be numerous on-line readings from peer reviewed academic literature, government, non-government, business, and international organization reports.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Lee, S. and McCann, D. (Eds.). (2011). Regulating for Decent Work: New Directions in Labour Market Regulation. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 
[electronic resource available from SFU library].
ISBN: 978-1349337514

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