Perspectives on the Labor Movement

This course familiarizes students with theories that provide explanations for the rise of unions as well as for the historical development of labor movements. Course readings and discussions range from Marxist perspectives to theories of American exceptionalism and business unionism, and include the work of both seminal sociologists and prominent labor historians. Students in this course will be challenged to apply their analytic skills to vital labor issues and real world experiences of workers and unions. In addition to evaluating the explanatory power offered by the major schools of thought on the labor movement, students will consider how issues of class, race, pluralism, globalization and workplace reorganization have shaped explanations for labor's rise, decline and relevance. Finally, the course will explore how and whether theories of the labor movement contribute to resolving labor's internal debates and revitalizing its power in an era of globalization.

Fall, Spring