LA ROCHE COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE
Fall 2008
I. Number
& Title of Course:
HRM 523 Organization Theory
Number
of Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Graduate Status
T
6:00-8:45, Cranberry Woods Room 2118
II. Instructor: Dr. Astrid Kersten
Office: SC 120
Phone: 536-1192
Fax: 536-1179
e-mail: astrid.kersten@laroche.edu
III. Catalog Course Description: This course provides the student with a forum to explore different theoretical ways of
thinking about organizations. Students will be introduced to traditional, modern,
and post-modern organizational theories from different disciplines. Students
will also come to understand how these theories impact the way in which we view, comprehend and act in organizations.
IV.
Course Objectives:
A. To provide
the student with a general understanding of the basic concepts underlying theoretical thinking and theory development;
B. To
familiarize the student with a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of modern organizations;
C. To develop the student’s ability to critically analyze and understand the impact
of different theoretical approaches on the way in which we view, comprehend and act in organizations.
V. Methods
of Instruction: Lectures, discussions, organizational case
analysis
VI. Course Requirements:
A. Required Text and Readings: McAuley, J., Duberley,
J. and Johnson, P. (2007) Organization Theory: Challenges and Perspectives. Prentice Hall.Additional materials will available on line, via class handout or or
on reserve in the LRC library. Class website is http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeobjce/organizationtheoryandbeyond
B. Papers: Students are required to write 3 analytical papers, applying the different theories presented in the course. Papers
are graded on: 1) the extent to which they reflect knowledge and understanding of the course material; and 2) the quality
of critical and reflective thought demonstrated. Papers must be well written and use APA reference style. Each paper counts
as 25% of the final grade.
C. Attendance and Active Participation (quantitative and qualitative) are vital to the student’s success in this course.
Students are expected to be fully prepared for discussing the course reading material in class and willing to engage in discussion.
Each class absence beyond one (1) will result in a one grade point reduction
for this portion of the grade. Participation counts as 25% of the final grade.
SESSION SCHEDULE
August 26 Introduction:
Theories, Paradigms and the Study of Organizations
September 2
Introduction Continued
Text, chapter
1
September 9
No Class – Video Assignment
September 16 Modernist
Organization Theory
Text,
chapter 2
September 23 Neo-Modernist
Organization Theory
Text,
chapter 3
September 30 Neo-Modernist
Organization Theory
Text,
chapter 4
October 7 Review
of modernist/neo-modernist theory
October 14 Post-modernist
Organization Theory:
New
Organizational Forms?
Text,
chapter 5
--Paper 1 due in
October 21
Postmodernism as philosophy
Text,
chapter 6
October 28 Postmodernism
reviewed
November 4 Reflective
Organization Theory
Text,
chapter 7
--Paper 2 due in
November 11 Reflective
Organization Theory
Text,
chapter 8
November 18 Reflective
Theory
Text,
chapter 9
November 25 Reflective
Theory in Review
December 2 Course
Summary and Review
Text, chapter 1 http://www.imaginiz.com/provocative.html - imaginization website by Gareth Morgan – easy to read and fun discussion and linkages on course
related materials http://www.theorycards.org.uk - organization theory trading cards
December
9 Course Conclusion
--Paper 3 due in
