Complex Orgs Syllabus

2. Description: This course provides a general look at complex organizations, their impacts and trends. The course focuses on the themes organizational life and life within organizations in the context of our larger social life, social institutions, and other post-moderrn dynamics brought about by population growth and urban rural life styles. The purpose of the course is to allow the students to view and react to the world around them as well as to furnish each with a background for additional study in the field of the sociology of organizations.

With a focus on complex organizational theory, we examine both social (or informal) as well as formal organizations. Our explorations encompass organizations as diverse as gangs and IBM, or the family and the European Economic Community with a focus on complex organizations. In examining these organizations, we explore how “young” organizations emerge, as well how organizations mature over time. Another major thrust of the course examines how the larger societal, technological, and physical environment shapes organizational structure and process.

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3. Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the student will understand and be able to demonstrate understanding of:

the rational and classical perspectives of organizations.
the natural perspective of organizations.
the systems perspective of organizations.
the human relations perspective of organizations.
the managerial perspective of organizations.
the importance of power and politics in organizations.
the post-modernist perspective of organizations.
the operation of culture within organizations and the impact of culture on organizations.
the development and nature of authoritarian, bureaucratic and democratic organizations.
the historical development of the field.
the shift in theoretical emphasis from workers to managers.
the shift in theoretical emphasis from organizational processes to outputs.
the shift in theoretical emphasis from studies of single org's to org's within their environment.
the shift in theoretical emphasis from studies of single org's to networks & populations of org's.
the application of social science research methods to the study of organizations & the relationship of academia to public, private, & governmental organizations.
the value of their own power of effective, reading.
the value of their own power of effective, written communication.
the value of their own power of effective, oral communication.
the value of their power of effective, creative thinking.
the value of their own power of making ethical choices.
the value of diversity in American and world culture.

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4. Course Format: The course will be organized as a seminar, emphasizing the readings and discussion. Students are expected to assist in creating a collegial, professional setting similar to one they will find in their career. This may be done by completing all readings in advance and coming prepared to discuss and analyze the issues presented in the readings. Students are expected to take time to stay informed on the news and current events of the day in order to enhance their ability to analyze the social problems examined in class. The major assignments in this course are the three chapter exams, In-Class Projects, an organizational analysis, an a presentation on the organizational analysis. See the other sections of this syllabus for further discussion of these and other course requirements.

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5. Books & materials: Hall, Richard. Organizations, 7th ed., Prentice Hall, 1999
Other readings are available on the internet & on reserve in the library

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6. Evaluation: Exams: There will be three chapter exams.
Exams may include any of the following types of questions: multiple-choice, true & false, fill-in-the-blank, completion, and short answer type questions. Save all reviews, In-Class Projects, and other materials handed out in class since they are fair game for exams. Questions may be derived from any material presented in class.
In-Class Projects: see the appropriate section of the syllabus
Organizational Analysis: see the appropriate section of the syllabus
Organizational Analysis Presentation: see the appropriate section of the syllabus
Please include the Honor Code, in full, on ALL assignments, in-class projects, EVERYTHING.

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7. Assignment weighting:
Discusses the value of each test & course assignment toward your grade

Assignment

Weight

% Grade you earned

Your weighted average

In-Class Projects, quizzes, etc.

13 %

Organizational Analysis

14 %

Organizational Analysis Presentation

13 %

1st Chapter Exam

20 %

2nd Chapter Exam

20 %

3rd Chapter Exam

20 %

Total

100 %

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	20. Term paper	Link
	Organizational Analysis	Link
	Types of Analysis	Link

Length: 6 pages Membership: 1 person
See the Term Paper Webpage for more details. The Term Paper must utilize an organizational analysis, but additional types of analyses may be used. As outlined on the Term Paper Webpage, the following components are required for this Term Paper ( all other components are optional )

20. Outline on the Term Paper Assessment

blank

1. Title Page

Required

2. Table of Contents

Required

3. Thesis statement or hypothesis

Required

4. Introduction & summary

Required

5. Body

Discuss two or more of the topics from the Organizational Analysis

Required

Socio-historical analysis may also be included

Optional

Expectations for the Future

Required

Recommendations of Social Policy

Required

6. Summary & Conclusion

Required

7. Appendices

Optional

8. Bibliography 4 scholastic references required

Required

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17. Presentation on the Short Paper:

Length: 9 - 7 - 5 minutes for an A-B-C
Content: Give a brief overview of all of the major sections of the Short Paper including the thesis, introduction, socio-historical analysis, a type of analysis, expectations for the future, & recommendations for social policy.

See Also: Suggestions for a strong presentation Link

The End

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