The Labor Studies program attracts students interested in how our lives are shaped by work and its results. Starting from the practical problems of work, workers, and their organizations, labor students investigate the underlying economic, political, and cultural forces. Drawing on the full range of social science and other disciplines, students develop practical and analytical skills needed in working with labor, government, and other organizations in the labor field. Labor Studies courses combine broad perspectives with specific skills. Introductory courses provide a general knowledge about work, workers, and their organizations.
Electives enable students to examine areas in greater depth.
In these and other problems, students are encouraged to do firsthand investigation by working directly with those involved. Labor Studies courses are usually offered in the evening. Advising is available both days and evenings, and students are informed periodically by letter of new developments. The Labor Studies Program aims to meet the needs of nontraditional working-adult students as well as traditional day students. Labor Studies instructors combine the analytical and the practical in their courses.