Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - LBST 330 D200

Selected Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Labour & Education

Class Number: 1441

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101 and/or 301.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics in areas not currently offered within the undergraduate course offerings. Students may take more than one offering of LBST Selected Topics courses for credit, as long as the topic for each offering is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course takes a sociological approach to examining how labour, class, and education are interconnected and what this means for working people. We explore conflicting views about the purposes of schooling and critically examine common assumptions about meritocracy and human capital in education and employment. We gain a historical perspective on the social positioning of teachers and learn how teacher unions advocate for both the working conditions of teachers and the learning conditions of students. The course ends with an examination of the role of labour education for mobilizing workers. Course activities include lectures, readings, videos/films, and class discussion. Assignments draw from students’ own perspectives, experiences and areas of interest, and include multi-modal options for communicating learning.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Through this course, students will
• Develop a critical understanding of how educational processes are connected to employment, and how social difference is produced in these contexts
• Explore diverse experiences within education and work settings, such as those of teachers, international students and adult learners
• Apply course concepts to lived experience, research and lesson planning
• Communicate learning in both academic and non-academic modes

Grading

  • Participation (in-class activities, discussions & group work) 15%
  • Mid-term Exam 25%
  • Assignment #1 (interview with an educator or reflection) 25%
  • Assignment #2 (research paper or lesson plan) 35%

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

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Labour Studies Program follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct 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.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Willis, P. (1977). Learning to labour: How working class kids get working class jobs. Columbia University Press. (Available online through the SFU library).

Additional required readings will be available through SFU Library Reserves or on Canvas.
Note: Some readings/resources are subject to change and if so, this will be communicated with notice through Canvas.

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.