Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - LBST 311 D100

Labour and the Environment (3)

Class Number: 2182

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units. Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The changing relationships between unions and environmental groups; how work in various industries contribute to climate change; and how climate-change policies affect workers in different ways. The consequences of climate policies for different categories of workers, identified by economic sector, geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and Aboriginal status.

COURSE DETAILS:

This will examine the nature of work and the environment in North America with a focus on Canada. We will examine the historic relationship between labour and the environment and how workers and the issue of class has been both included and excluded in the mainstream environmental discourse. Final projects must be focused on Canada (with larger North American examples accepted.)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course will draw on students' experiences and research and we will further develop research, writing, and presentation skills through the online assignments. In addition, short online PowerPoint lectures, online discussions, small online writing assignments, and films will provide the tools we need to understand the increasingly complex world of work and the environment with a focus on climate change. In addition, this course is designed to build towards a final paper that engages with critical issues on a number of important and timely topics related to labour, the environment, and climate change.

Grading

  • Seminar participation 15%
  • Short assignments 30%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Outline 5%
  • Essay 40%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Universal Access Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, and internet access. Most laptops and desktops are running OSX and Windows. Tablets may be Android, iOS or Windows based. Headsets are advised but not necessary. Note that students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here.

REQUIRED READING:

Klein, N. (2015). This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. Toronto: Vintage Canada.
ISBN: 978-0-307402004

Lipsig-Mummé, C., & McBride, S. (Eds.). (2015). Work in a Warming World. Montreal: McGill University Press.

This title is available online through the SFU Library here.
ISBN: 978-1-553394327

Peterson del Mar, D. (2011). Environmentalism, 2nd ed. London: Routledge.

This title is available online through the SFU Library here.
ISBN: 978-1-408255582

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.