ALTERNATIVE PLAN - EVERYTHING ONLINE

After meeting together for 3 hours twice online, students are asked to follow a weekly self-study plan with online mini-quizzes on the reading and the previous class.
We will also meet for 3 hours in the last class.
Students can take the quizzes in their own time before the class.
The lectures (apart from first two and last lecture) are pre-recorded and students are asked to watch these in their own time.
We will meet for one hour via Microsoft Teams/Zoom to discuss the self-study material at the end of the class time.
Students are asked to work on group presentations, and asked to create videos of their presentations (using Powerpoint narrate/any other software) which are shared with the class.
This is all done remotely online.
The participation grade is based on group meetings and engagement (i.e. asking questions and sharing opinion).

Work plays a fundamental role in our societies. It is a central input in the production of goods and services that requires energy and other resources, and leads to the creation of income that is needed for consumption. With multiple challenges – environmental catastrophes, rising inequality, economic crises – including rapid technological change and automation, what is and what could be the role of work in societies?

In this class we will assess how work is connected to issues around sustainability, and if work can be sustainable. These questions will be considered as part of the following topics: 

• Limits to growth, decoupling, and green growth
• The link between growth and employment
• Working time reduction and sustainability
• The imperial mode of living, global labour relations
• Gender and work
• Postwork and critiques of work

The first two classes and the final classes will be held in person (if possible), while the 5 classes in the middle will be taught online.

On successful completion of the course, students will know:

• About the links between growth, resource use, and employment, as well as working time reduction and employment.
• Various other topics central to the field of “sustainable work”, including the international dimension of work and the global labour footprint.
• How gender and class oppression are reflected in work and labour.
• Critiques of work and the concept of "postwork".
• How to read academic articles, and hear about different empirical approaches and some of their advantages and limitations.

Examination-immanent courses (PI) have compulsory attendance.

In case of absence the lecturer is to be informed in advance via email, especially in cases of conflicting class schedules.

• Lectures
• Student group presentations
• Reading quizzes and in-class quizzes
• Class discussions
• Videos
• Note: Students are required to read, present, and discuss academic articles.

1. Questions on readings (20% of total grade)

2. In-class quizzes (20% of total grade)

3. Group presentation & handout (40% of total grade)

4. Participation (20% of total grade)

Grading scale:

91-100% - 1

81-90% - 2

65-80% - 3

50-64% - 4

<50% - fail

Course enrollment is on "first-come, first-served" basis. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your course is available to students on the waiting list.

If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students on the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period, and will be allocated to available places.

Students are required to read, present, and discuss academic articles and papers on issues on the topic of sustainability.
While no previous knowledge is assumed, an interest in the topic is important.

halliki.kreinin@wu.ac.at