The Bridges Center is excited to announce a new course for the 2023 winter quarter - LABOR 480 Labor Studies Research: Applied Research for the Labor Movement!
Credits: 5
MyPlan link: https://myplan.uw.edu/course/#
Fulfill requirements: Yes, SSc
Instructor: Rachel Erstad, Bridges Center Research Coordinator
How can working people create plans to mobilize for social change? Students will look at power in working relationships, how policy impacts working people, and more while taking part in collaborative projects to support unions, worker centers, and other labor-focused organizations. This is an opportunity to apply practical research skills including reviewing financial data, comparing worker-centered policy, and submitting public records requests.
This course will use popular education models. We will start with our experiences and knowledge in the room, and all will participate in learning and teaching. We will unpack who has power, what does power mean, and who does it impact in working relationships. Applied labor research always connects to power, and it contributes to broader worker-led movements. Students will complete independent research as well as at least one larger collaborative project with organizations/ unions such as UFCW 3000, the Fair Work Center, and the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC). Skills students may expect to use or develop include basic data analysis (finding averages, summing, etc.) in Microsoft Excel, doing advanced internet-based research, including utilizing datasets through public and private organizations, conducting interviews and analyzing surveys, and submitting requests through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Please reach out to Rachel Erstad at rerstad@uw.edu with any questions.