Aims

By the end of the course, students will:
- have appropriated certain analytical models and key concepts used in analysing the functioning of a substantive organisation or organisational field;
- have a basic knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to organisations, to organisational fields and, more generally, to organised action;
- be able to make critical judgements about the inputs and limitations of the main approaches.

Main themes

- To develop a knowledge and critical understanding of the main classical and recent approaches in the sociology of organisations and organised action.
- To provide the means for understanding reciprocal interactions between organisations and the social and historical setting in which they are located.
- To put into practice one of these approaches on already constituted empirical material (case studies based on existing research outcomes).

Content and teaching methods

The course will first address the "classic" sociology of organisations that seeks to understand the structure, functioning and dynamic of social relations in organisations seen as unique, and relatively autonomous, social objects. It will then examine the new approaches being developed and renewing and broadening the object. On the one hand, this form of sociology thematises questions of coordination and organised action both in a "constituted organisation" and transversally in several organised contexts; on the other hand, it tries to understand the structure, functioning and dynamic of organisational fields. The approaches will be illustrated by empirical research focusing both on the field of the enterprise and on the "not-for-profit" sector, and particularly the field of education and training.
In terms of teaching methodology, the course will include:
- professorial expositions followed by discussions on the main theoretical approaches possible;
- reading recommended in the reading portfolio and/or the syllabus;
- case studies (analyses and/or presentations by sub-groups of students).

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requirements: A knowledge of the main sociological paradigms, and a knowledge of current sociological concepts.
Assessment: A written examination with open questions (students may not bring reference works into the examination room).
Support: A syllabus and a reading portfolio.
Supervision: By a Professor.

Programmes in which this activity is taught

Other credits in programs