Sociology, Sustainability and Organization Theory, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• describe and explain key concepts in classic and current organization theory,
• verbally and in writing communicate about theoretical and analytical perspectives raised during the course,
• apply different approaches within organization theory to study sustainability issues in various types of organizations, and
• critically examine, analyze, and evaluate sustainability management by employing different perspectives and theories from organization theory.

Main content of the course

This course gives an introduction to different theoretical perspectives in organization studies. The student is also trained in selecting and applying these theories to improve understandings of concrete sustainability challenges that contemporary organizations face. The course elaborates on common concepts within classic and current organization theory, including structure, resource dependency, institutional environment, culture, and power. The varying conditions among different types of organizations in relation to their institutional and natural environment are discussed, from the local to the global level.

Teaching methods

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination I, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Paper.

Examination II (Code: A002)
Compulsory components in the form of participation in seminars.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Examination deadline
If the deadline for the examination is exceeded, the examiner will decide how the examination should be conducted and, when applicable, set the timeframe for it.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade for the course may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments should be submitted to the lecturer within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Absence from compulsory components of the course
Upon absence from compulsory components, the university's general rules for re-examination apply. If there are special reasons to deviate from the time frame, the examiner decides when the compulsory component should be carried out. However, the examiner can decide that a make-up assignment should be given.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination I
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination II
Grades used are Participated (DT).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

On 13 November 2018, the Vice Chancellor admitted an exception from the U-G-VG grading scale in favour of the A-F grading scale. From the autumn semester 2019, the AF grading scale may be applied on international courses and study programmes (ORU2018/06084).

The final course grade is based on the grade of the examination "Examination I", 7,5 credits. However, Participated (DT) on all other examinations are requred for a passing grade to be awarded for the full course.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Hatch, Mary Jo & Cunliffe, Ann (2018)
Organization theory. Modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives
Oxford University Press, (4th edition)

Additions and Comments

Additional articles: approx 300 pages.