LA ROCHE COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE

Fall 2009 

I.                 Nr & Title of Course:  HRM 523 Organization Theory

        Number of Credits: 3   Prereq: Graduate Status  

T 6:00-8:45, Cranberry Woods, Room 2119

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: Morgan, G. Umages of Organization. Sage, 2006. 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.