
Course unit details:
Work and Employment in the Global Economy
Unit code | MGDI60131 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
Aims
The aim of this course is to examine issues of work and employment in the global economy. Students will be able to develop an appreciation for different conceptual approaches and be exposed to key debates and significant trends.
The course will cover conventional and critical theories of labour markets, work and employment. Specific dimensions of labour markets will be covered, such as economic migration, gender, informality and unfree labour.
These will be examined within the context of the changing dynamics of work in a global economy, including both rising mobility and increasing insecurity of work.
Teaching and learning methods
The course involves 2-hour lectures and seminars, and one film screening. This module draws on a range of teaching and learning activities, from lectures, classroom discussions and independent learning by students. Students are encouraged to approach the subject with an open mind, questioning their own assumptions and engaging in collegial debates with their peers. This will support students in fostering critical thinking skills, including self-reflection, through small and large group discussions, case studies, group activities, simulations, and debates.
Knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate a grounded understanding of conceptual approaches, empirical trends and issues concerning labour regulation
- Understand and be able to compare conceptual and analytical debates over work and employment in the development of the global economy
- Be able to critically evaluate empirical data, case studies and official reports on work and employment in the global economy
Intellectual skills
- Be informed of different paradigmatic approaches to analysis of the work and employment in a global economy
- Critically assess and compare a variety of analytical perspectives
-
Apply different conceptual perspectives to analysis of work and employment across diverse development contexts and regions (including in Asia, Africa and Latin America)
Practical skills
- Develop critical, analytical, writing, communication and presentation skills
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 70% |
Written assignment (inc essay) | 30% |
Feedback methods
Formal feedback on written assignments will be provided via Blackboard. Students can also submit an essay outline for comments and feedback. In class discussion and interaction is strongly encouraged.
Recommended reading
• N. Castree, N. Coe, K. Ward and M. Samers (2003) Spaces of Work: Global Capitalism and the Geographies of Labour London, Sage
• S. Barrientos (2019) Gender and Work in Global Value Chains: Capturing the Gains? Cambridge University Press
• G. Gereffi (2006) The New Offshoring of Jobs, Geneva, International Labour Organisation
• G. LeBaron (2020) Combatting modern slavery: Why labour governance is failing and what we can do about it. London, John Wiley & Sons
• W. Milberg (ed) (2004) Labor and the Globalization of Production Basingstoke, Palgrave
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Lectures | 20 |
Tutorials | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 120 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Elisa Gambino | Unit coordinator |