Labor and Employment Studies
College of Business
Interim Dean: Caran Colvin
Labor and Employment Studies Program
HSS 336
Phone: 415-405-3475
Director: John Logan
Faculty
Associate Professors: Cochrane, Logan
Programs
B.A. in Labor and Employment Studies
Minor in Labor and Employment Studies
Program Scope
The labor and employment studies program provides students with an introduction to and understanding of the study of labor and employment relations, broadly defined. Over the past few decades, the study of labor and employment relations has expanded significantly to include new topics that did not previously exist as areas of academic inquiry: globalization and employment relations, international labor standards, human rights and labor standards, corporate social responsibility and corporate codes of conduct, monitoring and accountability frameworks, global supply and value chains, corporate governance and employment relations, “decent work,” equality and diversity at work, labor and “global cities,” employment relations in emerging economies, high performance work systems, global corporations and global unions. These topics form the basis of the courses that make up the requirements for the major and minor.
Career Outlook
The major and minor in labor and employment studies provides training for students interested in careers in labor relations or personnel management with unionized private-sector firms or local and state government organizations. Graduates may also be prepared to work for unions, labor or social justice-related NGOs, or other non-profit organizations. Students may gain employment in these areas with local, state, national or international organizations. In the non-union private sector, graduates may work in areas related to corporate social responsibility, codes of conduct, and corporate governance. Finally, students may pursue professional degrees (for example, in public policy, labor and employment law, or MBAs) or graduate degrees in the social sciences.
Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Employment Studies
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| LABR 250 | Introduction to Global Labor Studies | 3 |
| LABR 251 | Know Your Work Rights | 3 |
Choose four courses from the following: 12 units
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| LABR 474/ HIST 474 |
History of Labor in the United States |
| LABR 552/ SOC 552 |
Introduction to Comparative and International Employment (3) |
| LABR 553/ SOC 553 |
Labor Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility |
| LABR 555/ SOC 555 |
Labor Rights in the Global Economy |
| LABR 650 | Introduction to and Overview of Labor and Employment Law |
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement: (3 Units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HIST 300 GW | Seminar in Historical Analysis - GWAR |
Related Electives chosen in consultation with program director: 15 units
Final Experience - Internship or Final Research Project: 3 - 4 units
Total for major: 39 - 40
Minor in labor and employment studies
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| LABR 250 | Introduction to Global Labor Studies | 3 |
| Choose three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| LABR 343/ ANTH 343 or LABR 474/ HIST 474 |
Women and Work History of Labor in the United States |
|
| LABR 552/ SOC 552 |
Introduction to Comparative and International Employment | |
| LABR 553/ SOC 553 |
Labor Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility | |
| LABR 554/ SOC 554 |
Themes in Comparative and International Employment | |
| LABR 555/ SOC 555 |
Labor Rights in the Global Economy | |
Total for minor: 12
