tklassen


Thomas Klassen

Photo of Thomas Klassen

School of Public Policy and Administration

Professor

Office: 137 McLaughlin College
Phone: 416-736-5384
Email: tklassen@yorku.ca
Primary website: Thomas Klassen - Professional
Secondary website: Thomas Klassen - York University

Attached CV

Media Requests Welcome


My research interests are on Canadian and comparative labour market and income security policies. My current research activities include labour market policies in Canada, as well as pension and retirement policies. I also conduct research on the politics and welfare policies of South Korea.

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My teaching, writing and research interests are on politics and public policies with a particulate focus on retirement, income security, East Asia (especially South Korea), and how to ensure students succeed.

I am the co-author of "The Essential Guide to Studying Abroad: From Success in the Classroom to a Fulfilling Career" (2020), and co-editor of "Asymmetric Neighbors and International Relations: Living in the Shadow of Elephants" (2023), "Policy Analysis in South Korea" (2023), "Ageing in Asia-Pacific: Interdisciplinary and Comparative Perspectives" (2018) and "The Routledge Handbook of Global Public Policy and Administration" (2017).

Also recently published is "How to Succeed at University (and Get a Great Job!): Mastering the Critical Skills You Need for School, Work and Life". A French language edition has been published as well. Both books are available in free (open access) versions.

Forthcoming are two edited books: "North Korea: Translation and Transformation in a Global Context"(2024), and "Contemporary Korean Culture from the Edge" (2025).

In the summer of 2022, I coordinated the two-week "North Korea Summer School: Inside North Korean Literature, Art and Film" that brought the world's experts on North Korean culture to York University, as well as students from around the world.

Each year I teach a summer study abroad course that takes York University students to Seoul, South Korea.

Degrees

PhD, University of Toronto
Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, Carleton University
MSc Urban & Regional Planning, University of Toronto
MA Sociology, University of Toronto
BA Sociology, Trent University, Peterborough

Appointments

Faculty of Health

Professional Leadership

I am currently serving as the Communications Officer of the York University Faculty Association. This is an elected position.

Outside of York University, I have been appointed by the City of Toronto Council to the Toronto Committee of Adjustment (an adjudicative tribunal dealing with land use and zoning).

Research Interests

Employment and Labour , Public Administration, Comparative labour market policies, Income security policies, Retirement and pensions, Korea and East Asia