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: 

• The link between growth, employment, and environmental crises
• Critiques of work
• The imperial mode of living, global labour relations
• Labour movements
• Gender and work
• Technological change and the future of work
• How to transform 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.

The aim of the course is:
• To enable students to understand the complex relationship between the economy, work, society, and the environment.
• To enable students to critically evaluate and analyze current forms of societal and economic organization, and their effects on the environment and long-term sustainability.
• To enable students to build a solid understanding of how different ideas, theories, and stories have shaped the modern world, and continue to shape our understanding of what is “real” or “normal”.
• To enable students to critically evaluate the role, meaning, and cultural context of work in modern societies.
• To enable students to understand current scientific debates and discussions around the role of work in (un)sustainability.
• To help students gain a long-term historical understanding of labor movements and their impacts on society, economy and environment, and on the organization of work.
• To guide students in the analysis of scientific documents and texts.
• To enable students to take part in debates on complex societal topics.

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

1. Questions/Answer on readings (30% of total grade)

2. In-class quizzes (x 4, 20% of total grade)

3. Individual paper review (20% of total grade)

4. Participation (20% of total grade)

5. Online engagement (10% of total grade)

5. Voluntary extra final assignement (+6 bonus points possible)

Grade scale: The following scale is used to calculate your grade:

% points   Grade
100-90   1
89-77     2
76-64     3
63-51     4
0-50       5

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