2nd year courses

Introduction to labour markets

Lecturer: Shaun Ruggunan
Semester: One

The purpose of the module is to introduce students to the conceptual issues relating to the sociology of labour markets. Understanding labour market theory and being able to apply theoretical concepts to empirical case studies of labour markets is a core requirement of IOLS students and we hope that this module provides you with some of the skills you need to succeed as an IOLS major or programme student. In IOLS (and for this module) we are more interested in the sociology of labour markets as opposed to labour market economics. We will try and sue our limited time to make you familiar with sociological concepts and language used to theorise labour markets under capitalism. However because this is a second year 8 credit module this will only be done at an introductory level.

Organising Production

Lecturer: Bianca Tame
Semester: One

The main focus of this half-module is to examine and understand the way in which paid work is organised and structured in modern industrial societies. This will involve an exploration of how the nature and design of work has evolved in modern workplaces.

Various theoretical perspectives, as well as debates, will be drawn upon to facilitate an analysis of this process of change. Work in current times has undergone a number of transformations – particularly with regard to the internationalization of work.

These trends and the accompanying debates will also be considered. Some of the key debates that will be highlighted are managerial control, the nature of skill, and flexibility.

Globalisation

Lecturer: Sthembiso Bhengu
Semester: Two

This half-module deals with the phenomenon of globalisation and its implications for individual countries. It is within the context of globalisation that we will unpack the idea of world class manufacturing in an increasingly competitive international economy. We will examine the historical context of globalisation, attempt to theorise it, and look at the pressure for countries, cities and organisations to survive in this new globalised arena.

Key concepts explored in this course will be globalisation, industrial policy, world class manufacturing, and industrial and workplace restructuring, and will be understood both within an international and South African context.

Trade Unions in South Africa

Lecturer: Simon Mapadimeng
Semester: Two

This module aims to provide learners with an in-depth, critical understanding of the nature and the role of trade unions in society, both as working class organisations and agents of social change. It does this by equipping the learners with conceptual tools and skills that would enable them to understand the challenges confronting trade unions in the contemporary society characterised by democratisation, growing globalisation and neo-liberalism, as well as the consequent impact that this has on their role and strategies.

This is done with particular focus on trade unions in South Africa.