It is useful, but not necessary, to have completed classes in economics, sociology, contemporary history (from the Industrial Revolution to the present), and a basic introduction to law.

Competencies: - Knowledge of the role of law, collective bargaining and other instruments in the definition of the regulatory framework of labor and employment relations. - Knowledge of the historical contexts of the development of theories regarding labor relations and collective action related to the world of work. - Understanding of the connections between politics and the labor market and their impact on the development of unions and employer associations. - Knowledge of the origins and consequences of different patters of collective actions in the labor market and their impact on the development of national systems of labor market regulation. - Understanding of the origins and consequences of the welfare state and its connections to labor market regulation. - Understanding of the consequences of different competitive strategies by employers on the dynamics of labor and employment relations Understanding of the consequences of different union strategies on the same. - An understanding of the main challenges facing contemporary systems of employment and labor relations from regionalization (Europe) to globalization to other changes affecting the possibilities for collective action of workers and employers. Skills: - Evaluation and comparison of theories - Evaluation of contemporary and historical developments in light of theoretical debates - Capacity for reflection and public speaking. Aptitudes: - The ability to defend a position and debate it.

1. Basic social science concepts and legal systems of industrial relations 2. The Birth of Social Question: The revolutions and the communist answer. Reactions on social proteccion, labour and employment law. The evolution to social-democracy 3. The "sciences" of management and collective relations in the workplace. Evolution of management theories and it's incidence on employment and labour law. 4. Welfare state and industrial relations 5. Challenges of economic democracy: collective bargaining and labour unions. Impact of legislation on industrial democracy 6. The crisis (es) of Fordist societies 7. A new labor law for a new world: Dualization, flexicurity, gender and other challenges of labour markets. Labouyr market reforms and gender equality regulations 8. European integration, European social Layw: Impact on labour relations and employment and legal effectiveness of self regulations on international labour relations 9. Global regulation of labour relations. International labour law 10. Conclusions: the future of work

- Lectures - Readings and discussion of readings - Essays, quizzes, group presentations, analysis of cases, etc.