Bachelor of Arts, Labour Studies Major
Athabasca University · CanadaBachelor's48 monthsENonline
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program at Athabasca University aims to enhance critical and creative thinking through diverse social, political, and cultural studies. It provides a flexible, broad education designed to broaden perspectives, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning and various careers. The Labour Studies Major focuses on the role of labour and working people in society, appealing particularly to trade unionists. The program is structured to prepare graduates for most graduate programs and to develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills for independent research in their chosen major.
Curriculum
The program requires a total of 120 credits, including a minimum of 75 senior-level credits (300 or 400 level), with 18 credits at the 400 level. The Labour Studies Major specifically requires 45 credits, including a minimum of 30 senior-level credits (with 12 at the 400 level). Key requirements include 12 credits in core courses: HIST 336 (History of Canadian Labour), LBST 200 (Introduction to Labour Studies), and SOCI 321 (Sociology of Work and Industry). Students must also complete 33 elective credits from a list that includes courses like ENGL 306 (The Literature of Work), various HIST courses, all IDRL courses, all LBST courses, POEC 393, POLI 450, and SOCI/WGST 345.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a Labour Studies Major are expected to possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to engage in independent research in their field. The program prepares students for various career options and provides a solid foundation for further studies at the graduate level. It is particularly relevant for individuals interested in the position of labour and working people in society, including those in trade union leadership and general membership roles.