325-214 The Social and Political Context of Work

Entry to this subject is restricted to students who have completed 75 points of level-1 subjects (commerce or non-commerce).

This subject will examine the different social, political and institutional environments within which work is managed and organised. It will consider how the relationships between state institutions, business organisations and labour organisations influence the character of work and employment. Topics covered will include theories of the state and the role of the state in the regulation of labour markets and labour-management relations; the meaning of work and the determination of work and non-work distinctions drawing upon sociological and psychological approaches; a comparative political economy of wages and incomes policy and of welfare state development; the juridification and decommodification of labour law regimes; and pressures on state sovereignty for employment rule making.

• High level of development: written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

• Moderate level of development: oral communication; collaborative learning; team work; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

• Some level of development: statistical reasoning; use of computer software.

A 2-hour examination (60%) and assignment(s) totalling not more than 4000 words (40%).