Labor and Employment Studies
College of Business
Dean: Linda Oubre
Labor and Employment Studies Program
HSS 336
Phone: 415-405-3475
Director: John Logan
Faculty
Associate Professor: 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.
Complementary Studies
Bachelor of Arts students must complete at least twelve units of complementary studies outside of the primary prefix for the major. (Note: Students may not use an alternate prefix that is cross-listed with the primary prefix for the major.) Students who complete two majors or a major and a minor automatically complete the complementary studies requirement. Additional ways to complete complementary studies for students in the Labor and Employment Studies major can count the twelve complementary studies units toward elective units in the major. Consult with your major advisor for assistance.
Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Employment Studies
Labor and Employment Studies (B.A.) — 39 - 40 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Required Courses (18 units)
- LABR 250 Introduction to the Study of Labor
- LABR 251 Know Your Work Rights
Choose four courses from the following:
- HIST 474/ History of Labor in the United States
- LABR 474 History of Labor in the United States
- LABR 552/ Comparative Employment Relations
- SOC 552 Comparative Employment Relations
- LABR 553/ Labor Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility
- SOC 553 Labor Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility
- LABR 555/ Labor Rights in the Global Economy
- SOC 555 Labor Rights in the Global Economy
- LABR 650 Labor Law: An Introduction and Overview
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (3 Units)
- HIST 300 GW Seminar in Historical Analysis - GWAR
Related Electives (15 units)
Chosen in consultation with program director.
Final Experience (3 - 4 units)
Internship or Final Research Project
Minor in Labor and Employment Studies
Labor and Employment Studies, Minor — 12 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
- LABR 250 Introduction to the Study of Labor
Choose three courses from the following:
-
LABR 343/ Women and Work
ANTH 343 Women and Work
or
HIST 474/ History of Labor in the United States
LABR 474 History of Labor in the United States - LABR 552/ Comparative Employment Relations
- SOC 552 Comparative Employment Relations
- LABR 553/ Labor Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility
- SOC 553 Labor Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility
- LABR 554/ Themes in Comparative and International Employment
- SOC 554 Themes in Comparative and International Employment
- LABR 555/ Labor Rights in the Global Economy
- SOC 555 Labor Rights in the Global Economy
