BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy

1. Introduction: The Sociology of Work¿
2. Time, Space and Discipline: the Emergence of Modern Work¿
3. The Division of Labour, Taylorism and Fordism¿
4. Karl Marx: Work and Capitalism¿
5. Emotional Labour
¿6. Unemployment and Workfare¿
7. Domestic Labour and the Politics of Housework¿
8. Post-Fordism and Globalisation¿
9. Low-Wage and Precarious Work in the Global Economy¿
10. Conclusion and Revision

This course introduces students to the sociology of work and workplace organisation in the global economy. It covers themes from rationalisation and the organisation of time, to emotional labour, unemployment, domestic labour, and globalisation. The course considers both global trends and specific features of contemporary work, and places work in the context of the movement from Fordist models of production and consumption to post-Fordism. The lectures include a film component to illustrate each week's theme and to introduce students to the critical analysis of popular film.

On completion of the course students will:
¿- Have introductory knowledge of the sociology of work.
¿- Have developed knowledge of some of the key aspects of contemporary work.
¿- Be developing an understanding of the move from Fordist to post-Fordist forms of work. ¿
- Have developed a critical sense of the relation between work and culture.

Lecture-style material will be delivered weekly through a mix of up to one hour pre-recorded (i.e. asynchronous) content and one hour live (i.e. synchronous) lecturer-led classes. Additionally, weekly one hour small-group tutorials will be delivered on-campus as long as government guidelines allow, otherwise they will be delivered online.

2 hour written exam worth 100% of assessment

Non assessed group presentation 5% penalty from unit mark for non submission

Non assessed 1500 word essay 5% penalty from unit mark for non submission

All sociology courses include both formative feedback – which lets you know how you’re getting on and what you could do to improve – and summative feedback – which gives you a mark for your assessed work.

Grint, K. (2005) The Sociology of Work, Cambridge: Polity Press.