Full course description
Course Introduction
This course, designed for adult learners, delves into the intricate relationship between labor, society, workers, and the workplace. It explores the historical and contemporary roles of organized labor in shaping economic and social policies, the dynamics of worker rights and responsibilities, and the impact of labor movements on workplace culture and practices. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how labor organizations influence societal change and advocate for workers’ interests in various industries. This course is ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge of labor relations and its significance in today’s evolving work environment.
Interested in the full series? Check out the Program, Union Leadership and Administrative Certificate.
Course Overview
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various dimensions of labor and its profound impact on society. Labor is not just about work; it encompasses the economic, social, political, and cultural forces that shape our world. Whether it’s in the form of paid employment, unpaid domestic work, volunteer efforts, or creative pursuits, labor is central to the functioning and development of any society.
Throughout history, labor has been a driving force behind social change, economic development, and cultural evolution. From the industrial revolutions to the digital age, the nature of work has continuously evolved, influencing and being influenced by various societal factors. In this course, we will delve into how labor has been historically constructed, the diverse experiences of workers across different sectors and regions, and the ongoing challenges and transformations in the labor market today.
We will explore key themes such as the division of labor, labor rights and movements, the impact of globalization and technology on work, and the role of gender, race, and class in shaping labor dynamics. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, historical perspectives, and contemporary case studies, this course will equip you with the analytical tools needed to critically examine labor's multifaceted role in society.
By the end of this course, you will have a deeper appreciation of how labor shapes individual lives and societal structures, and how we can think critically about the future of work in a rapidly changing world.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the modules, you will be able to:
- Outline the historical evolution of the discipline of Labor Studies
- Explain how the American work ethic affected they way Americans think about work
- Define the following terms: capitalism, free markets, globalized markets, Fordism, mass production, and flexible work arrangements
- Outline major legislation which affected organized labor
- Develop a basic knowledge of contending theories of class and how they affect our understanding of labor's place in American society
- Articulate the theories associated with the labor movement and how they are different or similar to social movements
- Explain how the current employment relationship between labor and management affects economic inequality, poverty, equity or fairness, the minimum wage and the earned income credit, and the joint employer standard
Module Topics Include
- Overview and lecture
- The American work ethic
- Employment relations in historical perspective
- Employment relations in historical perspective, 1935-present
- The current state of the U.S. employment relationship
- The evolution of the employment relationship
- Compensation for American workers
- Race and ethnicity in the employment relationship
- Gender and the employment relationship
Course creator
This course was designed and developed by the Marquita Walker, Ph.D. interim chair and associate professor in the Department of Labor Studies, School of Social Work. As an Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Labor Studies at Indiana University, I bring over three decades of experience in research and education to the table. My interests lie in studying social stratification, income inequity, poverty, and e-learning as they pertain to workers and workers' education. I have published multiple articles and book chapters on these topics, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences.