Information Package / Course Catalogue
Labour, Social Justice and Sustainability
Course Code: ÇEİ502
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to equip students with the ability to evaluate labor and employment relations from the perspectives of sustainable development, social justice, and social equality. Throughout the course, students will explore key concepts such as decent work, social protection, green jobs, and just transition; and critically analyze the impacts of sustainable development policies on labor at both global and local levels.

Course Content

This course aims to assess labor processes through the lens of social justice and sustainable development. Students will learn about concepts such as decent work, green jobs, just transition, and social protection; and analyze the relationships between labor, the environment, gender, and global inequalities. The course includes a critical examination of how global sustainability goals affect labor and promotes the discussion of fair and inclusive development policies based on labor rights. Comparative analyses will be conducted through case studies from both Turkey and other countries.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Can explain the concepts of labor, social justice, and sustainable development within historical, theoretical, and social policy frameworks.
2.Can analyze the relationship between labor processes and environmental and social sustainability; can understand the significance of just transition policies.
3.Can evaluate the effects of global dynamics such as the climate crisis, digital transformation, and migration on labor markets within the framework of social justice principles.
4.Can critically examine the role of labor in building a sustainable and inclusive society and interpret social policy tools aimed at reducing inequalities.
5.Can analyze labor policies aimed at achieving sustainable development goals at national and international levels and contribute critically to social policy-making processes.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Erdut, Z. (2002). Küreselleşme Bağlamında Uluslararası Sosyal Politika. Dokuz Eylül Yayınları.
2.Güler, M.A. (2023). Dijitalleşme ve Sosyal Politika: Kuramsal Bir Değerlendirme. Sosyal Politika Yeniden İnşanın Eleştirisi (Ed: S. Oran). Nika Yayınları.
3.Kapar, R. (2023). Endüstri İlişkilerinin Güncel Sorunları ve Gelişme Alanları. Paradigma Akademi.
4.Kaya, P.A. & Güler, C. (2019). Uluslararası Sosyal Politika. Umuttepe Yayınları.
5.Öktem Özgür, A. (2025). ILO’nun İnsana Yakışır İş Hedefinin 2030 Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Hedefi Bağlamında Değerlendirilmesi. Çalışma ve Toplum, 1(84), 155-194.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
The Connection Between Labor, Social Justice, and Sustainability
Week 2 - Theoretical
Sustainable Development: Theoretical and Political Background
Week 3 - Theoretical
Social Rights and Theories of Social Justice
Week 4 - Theoretical
The Concept of Decent Work and the ILO’s Approach
Week 5 - Theoretical
Labor and the Environment: Is an Ecosocial Framework Possible?
Week 6 - Theoretical
Green Jobs: Definition, Potential, and Critiques
Week 7 - Theoretical
The Just Transition Approach
Week 8 - Theoretical
Global Value Chains and Labor Rights
Week 9 - Theoretical
Gender and Sustainable Labor Policies
Week 10 - Theoretical
Migrant Workers, Vulnerable Groups, and Labor Justice
Week 11 - Theoretical
Social Protection Systems and Sustainability
Week 12 - Theoretical
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Labor
Week 13 - Theoretical
Labor, Social Policy, and Sustainability in Türkiye
Week 14 - Theoretical
General Evaluation and Student Presentations
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142370
Midterm Examination120121
Final Examination130131
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)122
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
OÇ-1
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
OÇ-2
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
OÇ-3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
OÇ-4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
OÇ-5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026