Work and Labour Studies

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Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Work Experience Double Major Minor

Learn how work occupies much of our lives and influences how we live and think about the world while exploring the complex nature of work and employment, the impact of globalization and the role of trade unions.

Program Information

Work and Labour Studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on the rapidly changing world of work and its impact on workers. Placing contemporary developments into historical perspective, Work and Labour Studies critically examines the organization and experience of paid and unpaid labour, labour markets, education and training, labour and employment law, collective bargaining, public policies on work and the economy, occupational health and safety, workplace equity, working class culture and communities, and the labour movement.

Degree Information

Campus: Keele
Faculty: Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Degree Options: Double Major, Minor, Single Major

Duration

3, 4 yrs

Experiential Education

Placement

Honours Option

Yes

OUAC Code

YRM

Degree Overview

Internship and Practicum Opportunities
As a Work and Labour Studies major you will have the opportunity to gain experience through field placements in labour-related organizations. You will be able to make contacts, increase your practical knowledge base, and build your resume through these invaluable opportunities which could lead to a career after you graduate from York.

Expand Your Career Opportunities
Studying in the Work and Labour Studies program will open you up to multiple opportunities for research and engagement. Within York, Work and Labour Studies faculty have active research programs and are linked to a number of programs and research centres throughout the University. Beyond York, our faculty maintain active links with Canadian trade unions, skills training bodies, government departments, non-governmental and community-based organizations, and international advocacy networks, which serve to broaden the world of study and employment opportunities for you after finishing your university career.

As a Work and Labour Studies major, you will critically examine the organization and experience of paid and unpaid labour, labour markets, education and training, labour and employment law, collective bargaining, public policies on work and the economy, occupational health and safety, workplace equity, working class culture and communities, and the labour movement. Our courses also pay close attention to the experiences of different groups of workers in Toronto.

Sample Courses:
SOSC 1510 The Future of Work
SOSC 2210 Labour Relations in Canada
SOSC 3815 Jobs, Unemployment and Canadian Labour Market Policy
SOSC 3981 Diversity Issues at the Workplace
SOSC 4251 Mobile Worlds: Work, Labour and Power in the Global Era
SOCI 4632 Work in a Warming World: Issues in Work, Labour and Climate Change

Career Options

As a Work and Labour Studies graduate, you will be well prepared for employment in the labour movement, private industry, government service, journalism, public or private administration, social work, law or teaching. Many of our graduates go on to graduate work in political science, industrial relations and labour law.

Possible Careers:

Community Developer	Corporate Recruiter/Trainer	Health Policy Advisor
Human Rights Advocate	Immigration Officer	Industrial Relations Manager
Labour Market Researcher	Non-Profit Organization Director	Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Public Policy Advisor	Teacher	Union Representative

3, 4 yrs

Placement

Yes

YRM

C. M. Flynn

Jonathan Siqueira

Carla Lipsig-Mumme