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The Politics of Work

Unit code: HAP237

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Duration1 teaching period
Contact hours3 Hours per Week
CampusHawthorn
Prerequisites

HAP100 Australian Politics, or HAP117 International Politics, or approved equivalent.

CorequisitesNil

Aims and objectives

Aims:
This unit provides students with an overview of the politics, sociology and history or work. Through a series of case studies, the unit examines work as both exploitation and liberation. In doing so, this unit aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the domestic and international experience.of work.  
Learning Objectives:
After completing this unit of study students areexpected to understand the contradictory functions of work. Through a series of case studies, students will be able to:
• Consider both the liberating and exploitative dimensions of work
• Explain the relationship between work and equality in societies
• Understand how people have shaped societies through their struggles over work
• Debate the moral, social, legal and political aspects of work
• Demonstrate your understanding verbally and in writing

Teaching methods

Lectures, tutorials and independent learning

Assessment

Tutorial Paper (35%), leading discussion, participation and attendance (15%), final essay (35%), 3 reading quizzes (15%). 

Generic skills outcomes

The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce graduates who are:
• Able to critically evaluate and examine alternate positions;
• Adept at research and writing;
• Effective and ethical in work and community situations;
• Adaptable and able to manage change;
• Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (eg socio-cultural, economic, natural).

Content

The politics of work is central to our understanding of societies. Work has the ability to transform people’s lives and, in turn, to alter the structures of society. Major themes examined in this unit include control and subversion in the workplace; the divisions of labour; the meanings of work, and alienation. Through an historical examination of various struggles over work including slavery and indentured work, the right to work, freedom of association and campaigns for equal pay, we reflect on the changing temporal and global patterns of work.

Reading materials

A book of readings is available for this unit.