Labor and employment Relations (LER) 100: Employment Relations
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the process of employment relations in the United States, and to the institutions that participate in this process. Since almost all students in this class will, or have already entered into an employment relationship, this course endeavors to prepare the student for this relationship.
What will I learn in this course?
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
- Trace the evolution of labor management relations in this country
- Discuss the process of employment relations
- Define Human Resources policies and practices
- Describe globalization and its impact on the workplace
This course meets the General Education Social and Behavior Sciences (GS) requirements and the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking LER 100.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for LER 100, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
However, an online course is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:
- have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- have Quicktime installed on your computer to watch streamed video files.
- be comfortable navigating the Internet
How is the course structured?
This course consists of 12 lessons and runs for 15 weeks during the fall and spring or 6 weeks in the summer, following the standard semester schedule. LER 100 will be completely online. There are no set class meeting times, but you will be required to complete weekly assignments. There will be online quizzes and short essays on most lessons, and you’ll also be participating in weekly online discussions. You’ll also be working with a group of students in a bargaining simulation and will write your own arbitration decision.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about LER 100 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access LER 100 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
United States workers strike
Soldiers surround peaceful demonstrators during the Lawrence textile strike in 1912.
Annual Meeting 2005 of the World Economic Forum
in Davos, Switzerland, 2005.
Creative Commons
World Economic Forum