Sociology, Sustainability and Organization Theory, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

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.

Content

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.

Examinations and grades

Examination I, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination II (Code: A002)
Grades used are Participated (DT).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

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

Comments on grades

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.

Modes of assessment

Examination I, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written assignment.

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

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher 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.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements for university studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

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.