Bachelor of Arts in Labor Education

Important: The School of Labor Studies underwent a comprehensive curriculum review last year and as a result there are changes to the degree offerings, programs, courses and overall requirements. Specific information will be forthcoming on this page by June 1, 2012.

The Labor Education major is specifically designed for labor and community educators, trainers, and activists who teach, design, implement, and administer educational programs invested in key critical areas, including leadership, organizing, health and safety, and apprenticeships and training. The labor education program empowers trainers, educators, and  activists by giving them the tools they need to deliver a first-rate educational experience to union members.

Requirements: Students must complete the 5 required core courses in addition to 4 of the following courses
(of 3 credits each): Click here for course descriptions.

• Methods that Motivate
• Distance Learning for Labor Educators
• The Adult Learner
• Instructional Systems Design
• Instructional Technology

Plus one elective course

Cost

The NLC offers affordable tuition rates:

• $235.00 per credit hour for AFL-CIO affiliated union members and members of Working America, the AFL-CIO’s community affiliate.
• $285.00 per credit hour for non AFL-CIO affiliated union members

School of Labor Studies Major
Requires students to complete 30 credits – 10 required courses of 3 credits each.

Required Core Courses for All School of Labor Studies Degrees

Introduction to Labor Studies - LBCR-4000
This course introduces participants to the required writing and analytical standards of the College. Through course discussions and essays, students critically evaluate recent scholarship  practice and current issues the field of labor studies. (3 semester credits)

Labor and the Economy - LBCR-4600
This course focuses on the breakdown of the post-WWII economic order, the transition to  policies in the domestic and global economies that have been detrimental to labor, and the economic and political dynamics leading to the current global economic crisis. Topics include neoliberalism, globalization, Keynesian economic policies, and the role of labor in  developing social and economic policy. (3 semester credits)

Comparative Research Methods - LBCR-4700
Comparative Research Methods is a required course for completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree from the NLC. It is an upper-division course designed to provide student with tools for conducting social science research about various problems in connection with their work and/or their course assignments, including but not limited to the completion of a well written research design for the required Senior Project. The course examines and compares various strategies for data collection and analysis, and provides an understanding of the appropriateness of each research method for addressing specific research problems.  The pre-requisite for registration in Comparative  Research Methods is the completion of most course credits for the B.A. degree, or the verification by the instructor of a work-place problem  which the student is responsible for solving. Course requirements include the submission of a final, well researched and written Methodology paper and the instructor’s review and approval of research instruments, such as interviews, surveys or other qualitative tools, which are indicated by the chosen research methodology strategies. (3 semester credits)

Senior Seminar - LBCR-4800
This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate their cognitive skills by bringing them to bear on a specific topic relevant to their major field of study and work experience. Each  student will choose an aspect of the seminar topics for extensive independent research (Senior Project). Students will present their results in both written and oral form and will be introduced to types of research papers, methodology, and citation forms. Students will be grouped by area of interest and faculty advisor. (3 semester credits) Permission of instructor advisor required.

Senior Project - LBCR-4900
Students are required to complete a Senior Project in conjunction with the Senior Seminar. The project should emphasize the student’s role in the labor movement in conjunction with classroom experience. Students use the Senior Seminar to select a topic and faculty advisor. Both oral and written presentation of the work is presented in the Senior Seminar. (3 semester credits) Permission of instructor advisor required.

Prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Consult an NLC Admissions Counselor at 301-431-5440 for individual program planning.

Course Descriptions

Distance Learning for Labor Education   LBED-4410     
This class offers an in-depth look at distance learning methods and applications that labor educators can use. The course examines the importance of distance education and its impact on future trends in education. The online and traditional learning environments are compared in the areas of instructional technology, design, administration, and learning strategies. Participants will identify the characteristics that make a successful distant education student and discuss how to best prepare the distant student for the online learning environment. (3 semester credits)

Instructional Systems Design  LBED-4450
Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is the primary curriculum development method in use in adult training and education in the U.S. and around the world. It consists of the five-part ADDIE system. This course covers the fundamentals of ISD and includes exercises and assignments that give students practical hands-on experience. Students have the opportunity to develop their own curriculum design plan and lesson plan. (3 semester credits)

Instructional Technology  LBED-4460
The course provides participants with a practical understanding of the instructional applications of modern technology. The emphasis is on using technology to increase communication and collaboration in the distance learning environment. Students will learn to present educational content using software, such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, and audio/video conferencing tools. Students will use and evaluate course management systems and develop online student assessments. Students will learn to think critically about the appropriate uses of instructional technology and strategies to increase student learning. (3 semester credits) 

Methods that Motivate  LBED-4420
This course is designed to enhance students’ theoretical and practical understanding of adult education and pedagogy. By reflecting on the contributions that behavioral and educational theorists such as Malcolm Knowles, David Kolb, Howard Gardner, and Paulo Freire have made to the field of adult education, students will identify social, psychological, and cultural factors that influence the learning process. Students will experiment with a variety of experiential methods and techniques. (3 semester credits)

The Adult Learner  LBED-4432
This course covers adult learning theories and practices essential for use by adult learners and by those who develop and implement adult learning, and those who communicate with adults for organizing and political campaigns. The programmatic and personal application of the theories and practices are deeply examined and discussed. This course also explores how students can increase their capacity as life-long learners. NOTE: Students who have taken Theories of Adult Learning in the BA program may not take this course. (3 semester credits)