Labor Studies 290E - Political Economy and Labor

This course explores contemporary developments in political economy and their impact on the structure and quality of work in the U.S. The first part of the course surveys broad trends in the American economy (i.e. the growth of the service industry and nonstandard work) and popular discourse about labor exploitation and "bad" jobs. The second part of the course traces how we arrived at this point in history by examining four key processes - globalization, deregulation, financialization, and new technologies in the workplace, such as AI and algorithmic management. In this part of the course, we will use course readings and industry-specific case studies to define these thorny concepts and identify how they've impacted our economy and collective resources. In the third and final part of the course, we will study new developments in the American labor movement and concrete examples where workers confront these four processes, with mixed success. Students will have the opportunity to apply course readings and concepts to the world around them through a student-directed oral history project and industry analysis. No prior background in or exposure to labor studies or political economy is needed; students are encouraged to bring other disciplinary perspectives or interests to bear on class discussion and reflective assignments.