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  • SGO4604

SGO4604 - Work and workers of the global Work-Place

Course content

Both globalization and effects of the “New Economy”, emphasizing flexibility and deregulation of labour markets, have spurred a renewed interest in labour issues in Human Geography over the past couple of decades. Focusing on varying working conditions, we discuss labour regulation and labour resistance in many very different contexts. The course draws on several contemporary discourses: Effects of globalization and neo-liberal policies on work regimes; the critique of the place of labour in neo-classical theoretical models; and the nature of contemporary capitalism and imperialism as discussed in Marxist theory. Emphasis is placed on the agency of labour; workers actively shaping conditions of their lives and of production. Examples are drawn from (among other countries) Canada, China, Great Britain, India, Namibia, Philippines, Russia, Senegal and Vietnam

Learning outcomes

The objective of the course is to introduce to the student contemporary discourses of Labour Geography. We focus on processes of change within labour regimes in several contexts, with the following specific aims:

Knowledge aims:

• The student should be capable of identifying and analysing present-day positions, building on the understanding provided by classical and contemporary theorists in the field.
• The student should be capable, where relevant, to link intermediate and grand theories when discussing empirical examples of work and working conditions.

Learning aims:

• To improve the students’ understanding of the complexities of socio-economic change, and improve their ability to convey this complexity in writing as well as in discussions.
• To enable the student to argue pro et con different positions in many debates, and encourage openness to valid arguments in any paradigm.
• To enable the students to express themselves independently and with a high level of precision.

Critical approach

• The student should become a critical thinker, with a clear understanding of central concepts of the discourses.
• Working conditions and labour regimes change character according to scale of production, place and space. Through the course, the student should acquire a taste for dilemmas in labour regulation, both at the workplace and at national levels. This is a true sign of mature thinking

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

This course is a part of the Master's program in Human Geography.

Students in other master programs may apply to be accepted as guest students. Please note that the following special restrictions apply:

• applicant must be admitted to a master program.
• this course will be taken as a part of their Master's degree.
• A confirmation from the students student adviser must be attached to the application.
• there are available places in this course.

Overlap

SGO4604 overlaps with SGO4502.

Teaching

This course will be taught at The University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations may be used.

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars.

The course is designed for both Norwegian students and students on exhange programmes or bilateral agreements. All teaching will be given in English.

Exam information

The Faculty of Social Science is responsible for the exam, and the exam is normally held at The University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used.

The 6-hour school exam will be given in English only.
The students can choose whether they will answer the exam questions in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

Previous exam texts

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Language of examination

The school exam will be given in English only.
The students can choose whether they will answer the exam questions in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

If you wish to use a dictionary during the exam, the dictionary has to be checked. Please hand it in to the exam advisor 3 days prior to exam.

Application forms for special examination arrangements on school-exams should be sent to The Faculty of Social Science. Applications for special examination arrangements on other exams should be sent to the Department which organizes the course.

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