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Henry
Ford Community College |
Reader on Work The following readings have been selected for inclusion in the Bridge program at Henry Ford Community College and the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation in Southwest Detroit. The criteria used in choosing the selections include:
In Bridge classrooms it is vital to employ literary selections that can be read, discussed, and written about in one or two sittings. Such accessibility is necessary because of technical topics that must be covered in the curriculum. Readily readable selections also facilitate spontaneous "humanities moments" in technical classes, whereby (with permission from the technical instructor) the humanities instructor introduces a literary reading which provides perspective on the analysis of a manufacturing process.
The four themes used as organizing principles in this reader proved consistently relevant to students in the Detroit Bridge Program. These themes include a) the pace of work, b) the quality of work, c) safety and work, and d) education and work. Bridge students brought a wealth of personal reference points from their work experiences to discussion of these topics. 3. Chronology The readings are selected from various eras to provide a sense of the evolution of work. Consequently, students simultaneously explore patterns of technological advancement in manufacturing and the social effects of such progress. This approach also promotes an analysis of the role of modern education in career development. 4. Diversity The readings represent various perspectives regarding gender and ethnicity. Such diverse points of view highlight various psychological and social parameters of work, and encourage full participation in the classroom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (In some cases PDF versions of texts are available) A. The Pace of Work
An economist defines the reorganization of work and explains how the new system will save time.
An eighteenth century composer explains his method of production.
A Russian novelist and farmer has his
autobiographical hero reflect on work and fulfillment. (pdf)
An American novelist tells the muckraking
story of an immigrant meat packer. (pdf)
An American novelist composes a capsule
biography of the father of "Scientific Management."
An itinerant writer weaves a story
centered on a confrontation between a manager and a craftsman.
A poet reviews her workday.
An essayist explores views of men and women on time and work.
An American poet looks at work and
leisure.
An American novelist tells a tale of work and play. (pdf)
A French philosopher defines life in terms
of toil and work.
An American interviewer records a waitress
dedication to service.
An American interviewer records a
tradesman's passion for his work.
An American poet celebrates ambition,
endurance, and initiative.
An American essayist explores the significance of work to "the working class".
An American poet reflects on the meaning
of work and family. C. Safety and Work
A British essayist profiles the risks of mining.
A Russian writer portrays the destructive force of unsafe working conditions.
An American historian profiles working conditions for immigrants.
An blue collar essayist recalls volatile partners on an assembly line.
An American interviewer records a firefighter's reflections.
An American historian records an auto worker's description of working conditions in the 1970s.
An American poet considers the price of prosperity.
An American essayist assesses the issues
of "rights" and "safety". D. Education and Work
An American hero reflects on the struggle
to liberate himself from slavery. (pdf)
A British poet reflects on the redeeming power of Nature.
A British novelist portrays regimented
schooling. (pdf)
An American humorist takes a serious look at the rigors of learning.
An American writer catalogues the struggles authors undergo to learn and to compose.
Two American essayists analyze the differences between schooling and education.
An American essayist confronts problems of education and class conflict.
An American writer fondly remembers early reading experiences.
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