Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - LBST 100 D100

Equality and Inequality at Work (3)

Class Number: 2853

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2023
    Fri, 8:00–8:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces concepts of equality, inequality, diversity, and inclusion as we experience them at work. Includes discussion of what counts as work, who does paid and unpaid work, and how workers challenge inequality and discrimination. Examines how contemporary experiences in Canada of inequality at work are shaped by ongoing colonialism, racialization, gendering, class and other forms of social difference. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduces students to the concepts of equality, inequality, diversity, and inclusion as we experience them in the world of work. Includes discussion of what kinds of work and workers are valued and devalued within the labour market and according to the logics of heteropatriarchy and capitalism.  Examines how contemporary experiences of inequality at work in Canada are shaped by ongoing colonialism, white supremacy, racialization, gendering, class and other forms of social difference. The law and its limits along with the superficiality of equity, diversity and inclusion will round understandings of the need for structural and cultural changes for the rights of all workers as valuable human beings.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the concepts of equality, inequality and equity as they relate to employment, labour markets and unpaid work.
  2. Discuss and assess how capitalism induces inequality and multiple forms of oppression.
  3. Explore and understand devaluation of some jobs, sectors and workers.
  4. Analyze categories of difference such as race, gender and class and how they intersect in people’s everyday lives to shape employment experiences and outcomes.
  5. Critically assess concepts like multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion in employment policy and labour
  6. Apply their understating of inequality to the context of Canada, particularly white supremacy and settler-colonialism.

 

 

Grading

  • Engaged Participation 15%
  • Mid-term Exam 30%
  • Critical Reflection Paper 25%
  • Final exam 30%

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:

This course will utilize a variety of readings, media, and films that will be made available digitally through the SFU Library, public websites, and canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.