Contemporary Labor Issues Graduate Seminar

Public Policy 290

Units: 4 | Course number: TBD | Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP)
Instructor: Dr. Anibel Ferus-Comelo
Schedule: Tuesdays 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Location: in-person, UC Berkeley Labor Center, 2521 Channing Way

This applied research and project-based seminar offers students the opportunity to develop and hone research skills that can shape campaigns to improve the lives of working families. In partnership with the UCB Labor Center’s stakeholders in the labor movement, we will address priority questions that have emerged in ongoing organizing and advocacy campaigns. Students will work hands-on with existing data sets or engage in primary data collection, with training and guidance in the application of data science tools to support workers’ interests in the Bay Area. The specific campaigns, to be identified by our community partners, are likely to address the affordable housing crisis, future of work(ers), immigration, and climate justice. The class will culminate in presentations of findings, analyses, and policy recommendations to key community stakeholders and policymakers. Through a combination of lectures, key readings, and active participation in a “live” research initiative, students will develop an understanding of the current challenges that the labor movement in California faces and contribute to innovative policy advocacy and political action. This course will help you develop a working relationship with potential community partners (or “clients”) for your Spring IPAs, APAs, capstone projects or doctoral research.