The Labour Studies Program
The Labour Studies Program at Simon Fraser University is committed to the study and understanding of labour, working people, and their organizations from a comprehensive social, cultural, historical, political and economic perspective. The Program aims to provide a range of taught courses and programs (credit and non-credit), to Simon Fraser University students and provincial labour organizations, and create mutually supportive and beneficial links between academic and labour communities.
The Morgan Centre for Labour Research
The Morgan Centre administers the research side of the Labour Studies Program. It is dedicated to encouraging research on labour-related issues, soliciting funds, overseeing the progress of these projects, and disseminating their results on completion. The Centre offers the possibility of collaborative research ventures, open to SFU students and members of provincial labour organizations, foundations, individuals, and NGOs that are concerned about the interests of working people.
Is Labour Studies for you?
Labour Studies is for students who are interested in gaining a critical understanding of the working world. The Program is in the early stages of development, but it will progressively offer courses that analyze all aspects of the labour process from the perspective of labour.
Areas of study
At present, our course offerings are limited, but students can pursue a minor and a certificate in labour studies by taking courses in the program and choosing from a wide range of electives. We hope to develop a curriculum that will embrace courses on the meaning of work, the role of trade unions, the changing structure of the working class, the politics of industrial relations and public policy, the operation of labour markets, the significance of the global economy, the importance of occupational health and safety, the rise of ‘green jobs’, the role of art in the working class, and uses of critical theory.