Sociology of Organizations. Instructor: Professor Karen Jennison Class meeting: MWF 12:20, CAND 2055

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1 Sociology of Organizations Instructor: Professor Karen Jennison Class meeting: MWF 12:20, CAND 2055 Office: Candelaria 2285D Course Website: unco.blackboard.com (preferred) Office Hours: 4-6 W; 1:30-2:30 F VERY IMPORTANT when ing put soc 330 in The subject line Required Texts: Tolbert, Pamela S. and Richard H. Hall. Organizations: Structures, Processes, and Outcomes. 10 th edition. Prentice Hall, Ritzer, George. The McDonaldization of Society. 20 th Anniversary Edition. Sage, Lewis, Michael. Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. W.W. Norton and Co., 2004 Glossary on course Blackboard Course Description: This course provides an overview of the sociological study of organizations which are the fundamental unit of modern society. Through organizations we accomplish goals, interact with others, gain resources, and develop and assert our personal identities. Not only are organizations pervasive in modern society, they are diverse and come in all types, shapes and sizes. They can be small and local or large and international. They can be voluntary, like a club, fraternity or sorority. They can be involuntary like a prison or mental institution; they can be for-profit businesses or non-profit groups. They can be private or public. They can be seen as doing good or doing evil. Organizational sociology is a sub-area of the field of sociology. The sociological approach to organizations involves particular attention to organizations as complex systems that affect and are affected by their broader social environment. This course considers varied theoretical views of organizations that will help us to understand our multi-faceted modern society. Learning Objectives: On completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Identify and explain core concepts of sociology which apply to organizations 2. Identify and explain theories which are specific to the study of organizations 3. Apply these concepts and theories to an actual organization or organizations 4. Critically analyze contemporary organizations using the appropriate sociological concepts 1

2 Class Policies: You must turn in all material on time. Late papers may be assessed a 5 point deduction per working day. Please become familiar with safe assign in Blackboard. That is how most written work will be turned in. An exception is your first draft case study which should be brought to the classroom. Notice how you can contact technical support if you have problems with SafeAssign. I cannot solve technical problems and these problems cannot be used as a reason for turning in assignments or discussions late. Do not papers unless you have been given prior written permission by me. Normally, make-up exams are not given. If you, yourself are hospitalized on the date of the exam or some other horrible event occurs an arrangement can be made. Please be considerate of other students. Don t sit (usually in the back) and continually talk to others, don t keep your cell phone or similar equipment on during class. If you want to use a lap top, talk to me about where to sit. If you arrive after class starts, please sit in the row that ends at the door. Everyone should leave some seats in that row for late comers. As much as possible, class will consist of discussion of readings, videos and lectures you have seen prior to class. Any student requesting disability accommodation for this class must inform the instructor giving appropriate notice. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services at to certify documentation of disability and to ensure appropriate accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. Honor Code All members of the University of Northern Colorado community are entrusted with the responsibility to uphold and promote five fundamental values: Honesty, Trust, Respect, Fairness, and Responsibility. These core elements foster an atmosphere, inside and outside of the classroom, which serves as a foundation and guides the UNC community's academic, professional, and personal growth. Endorsement of these core elements by students, faculty, staff, administration, and trustees strengthens the integrity and value of our academic climate. Course Grade: Exams: There will be two essay and multiple choice exams. Exam dates are listed on the course schedule. Each exam is worth 100 points maximum. Discussion participation, case studies or other class participation projects: 10 points per discussion, case study or project. 2

3 Application Paper on McDonaldization: This paper is a short (approximately 5 page) essay applying McDonaldization to a specific area of social life. Sources should be used and cited using the American Sociological Association OR American Psychological Association citation method. Paper on Moneyball: More information on this paper is given elsewhere. The purpose of the paper is to apply course concepts to the descriptions in Rollerball. 100 points. Case Study Proposal Final proposal 50 points (points may be deducted for not turning in your first draft on Oct 4 and/or not participating the workshop on Oct 11 th ) This case study of a nonprofit organization has several parts. First, you should plan to turn in your proposal on October 4. Prior to that date, students will be given an opportunity to sign up for an appointment with me. On October 11 th we will have a workshop on the case study so bring your revised proposal with you to class. Revised proposal is due on Oct. 25 Poster or PowerPoint Presentation: Due November 29, 150 points You should present your case study in a poster of PowerPoint to display and explain in class during the last week.. The poster or power point should explain your project, describe your case, the sources you used and your analysis and conclusions. The poster or power point should be aimed at a general audience. Some posters or power points may be suitable for presentation at Research Day in the spring. Case Study Paper: Due December 7 last day of class, 200 points Your final grade consists of the following: Assessment Points Due Exams, 100 points each 200 Oct 18, Dec 12 Discussion, case studies, in 10 points each Up to 150 Various times, may be unannounced McDonaldization application paper 100 Sept. 30 Paper on Moneyball 100 Nov. 22 Case Study Proposal 50 Oct. 25 Presentation 100 Dec 2,4,6,12 Case Study Paper 200 Dec 6 Course Schedule: Introduction and Review Discussion of Syllabus Aug. 26 Review of Introductory Concepts Aug Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 1 Aug 30 Overview 3

4 Rationalization of Society: The Big Picture Ritzer Chapter 1 Sept. 4, 6 Ritzer Chapter 2 Sept 9, 11 Ritzer, Chapter 3 Sept. 13 Ritzer, Chapter 4 Sept. 16, 18 Ritzer, Chapter 5 Sept. 20 Ritzer, Chapter 6 Sept. 23 Ritzer, Chapter 7 Sept. 25 Organizational Structure Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 2 Sept. 27 Sept 30 Paper on McDonaldization due Sept. 30 Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 3 Oct 2 Oct 4 Oct 7 Organizational Processes Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 4 Oct 9 Workshop on Case Study Oct 11 Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 5 Oct 14 Oct 16 Exam #1 Oct 18 Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 8 Oct 21 Oct 23 Case Study Proposal Due Oct 25 Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 9 Oct 28 Oct 30 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 5 Moneyball Nov 12 Nov 14 Tolbert and Hall, Chapter 10 Nov 15 Nov 18 Nov 20 4

5 Moneyball Paper due Nov 22 Case Study Presentations Dec 2 Dec 4 Case Study Paper Due Dec 6 Dec 12 (final exam period) Exam #2, comprehensive Dec. 12 Note: In the interest of educational flexibility, this syllabus may be changed during the semester. It is your responsibility to keep up with any changes. There will be clear postings on Blackboard as well as announcements in class regarding any significant changes. 5