Centre for Labour Studies



Centre for Labour Studies


What is Labour Studies?

Labour Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study distinguished by its focus on work and workers’ organizations. Work is central to one’s life. Our work determines how we spend many of our waking hours and it largely defines our position in society, our economic well-being, and our self-image. It also defines the nature of our society and economy.   Labour market restructuring, union-management relations, labour law, union politics, working class culture, labour history, and the pursuit of equity and diversity in the workplace are some of the issues that stimulate teaching and research in the Centre for Labour Studies
 
Why Co-Major in Labour Studies? 
Two Degrees in One
Co-majoring in Labour Studies is a great way to add value to your degree in Sociology, Political Science, History, or Economics. Co-majors take the same number of courses as single majors, but graduate with a BA or Honours BA in Labour Studies and Sociology, Labour Studies and Political Science, Labour Studies and Histroy, or Labour Studies and Economics.
 
Interdisciplinary course offerings
Labour Studies offers a wide variety of courses cross-listed with several different departments including: Sociology, Political Science, History, Economics, Sport Management, Popular Culture, Geography, and Women’s Studies.
 
Smaller class sizes
Compared to other departments, Labour Studies has much smaller class sizes. Our smaller class sizes and commitment to small group learning give students more opportunity for interaction with faculty members and teaching assistants.
 
Generous student bursaries, grants, and scholarships
Labour Studies offers thousands of dollars in grants, bursaries and scholarships to its co-majors -- more than any other department on a per capita basis. As a co-major, you have a much wider variety of academic awards available to you.
 
Practicum option
Students entering the 4th year of a Labour Studies co-major program may opt to take part in a Labour Studies practicum, also known as a work placement. In the past, students have been placed with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Canadian Autoworkers Union, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, and a variety of other organizations to work on important projects and gain valuable experience outside the classroom.