RES.15-003 | Spring 2016 | Graduate

Shaping the Future of Work (15.662x)

1 Introduction: Challenges and Opportunities

1.1 Introduction to the Course and the 15.662x Team

1.2 Challenges and Opportunities as You Enter the Workforce

1.3 For More Information…

This class is about building a strong, socially responsible economy, and we can’t think of a more interesting and relevant time to offer this course. We are in the midst of serious economic challenges but also great innovations. In the video below, Professor Kochan explains this course and its motivations.

Video: An Introduction from Professor Kochan

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Now that you have a sense for the course, and the course team, let’s kick things off with an interview with the Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez. Mr. Perez has a distinguished record of public service. In the video below, Professor Kochan asks Mr. Perez to reflect on the changing nature of work, the importance of education, pressing challenges for the current workforce, and possible solutions. 

Video: A Message from U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to the Next Generation Workforce

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Additional Resources

Below, we have included resources that explain various dimensions of the labor market discussed in this module.  As you go through the materials, consider what these labor market trends mean in terms of employment policy as well as your own experience (either current or anticipated) in the job market.

The videos below are from YouTube and are not covered by our Creative Commons license.

Video: Wealth Inequality in America

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The above video, “Wealth Inequality in America,” highlights the CEO-to-average-worker compensation ratio. You may have seen different ratios reported in the news or elsewhere.  The ratio cited in this video is from the AFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch website.

An example of a slightly different estimate of compensation ratio, from the Economic Policy Institute, can be found in the next video below.

Video: EPI: Runaway CEO Pay in 30 Seconds

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Course Info

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Spring 2016
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Graduate
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