Loren K. Redwood
B CUSP 107
Through collaborative and interdisciplinary learning, students develop a knowledge base, skills, habits of inquiry, and imaginative vision. Focuses on individuals, society. Offered: A.
This course will explore food production and the impact on low wage immigrant labors resulting from an increased globalization of economies and trade. The global economy has fueled the need for a large workforce of low wage workers. The most easily exploitable and thereby “highly prized" labor force is comprised of immigrant workers, with undocumented immigrant laborers suffering the worst of these labor abuses. By employing the theme of a “dinner table", participants in this course will explore the impacts of the global economy on immigrant labor exploitation and the resultant need for social justice. This theme will be explored at the local, regional, and national level
Student learning goals
Gain an understanding of the connections between Globalization, immigrant labor.
Gain knowledge and understanding of the ways in which Globalization and Capitalism are dependent on a highly exploitable low wage labor force
Gain knowledge of the multiple sites in which immigrant laborer are being exploited at the local, regional, and national level.
Gain research skills that will enable student to undertake a major research project
Gain knowledge of the ways in which exploited laborers resist oppression.
Connect with local immigrant advocacy organizations in order to gain knowledge and insight into local issues and activism.
General method of instruction
Critical readings of multiple texts, engagement in research activities, and participation in a social justice activity will comprise the methods by which we will study this topic. Students will be asked to engage in a critical analysis of course readings; take part in a social justice action and contribute to a group research project, presentation, and paper on food production and labor exploitation in which core theoretical concepts presented in the course readings and lecture are applied
Class assignments and grading
Engagement in critical analysis of reading. Several Short writing assignments, group work activities, and a final group research project.
Active participation in classroom activities, timely completion of all assignments, engagement in group work.