Course syllabus - Work and Organization

Objectives

The objective of the course is to offer a broad perspective on Swedish working life against a global background. The course illuminates historical and societal processes of change and how these are reflected in organizations and people’s everyday lives. Its aim is for students to enhance their understanding and knowledge of organizational theories in relation to working life, including its development and challenges.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
1 define and take a critical stance on core concepts regarding organization as a subject area
2 discuss and assess societal processes of change in working life with regard to organization, control, leadership and everyday life
3 give proof of a deeper understanding of the current problem areas of working life and its multidisciplinary basis
4 reflect critically upon the possibilities, limitations and societal role of working life science and organizational theory

Course content

- a social perspective on changes in Swedish working life due to the development of technology, work processes and labour market regulation, with a special focus on the importance of globalization
- theories, models and concepts regarding organization, with a special focus on currently dominant ideologies regarding the organization, control and management of work
- an intersectional perspective on working life and its relation to people’s living conditions, as well as to the regulation of work and social rights
- organizational and leadership challenges in contemporary organizations

Specific requirements

A completed bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits in one of the following subject areas: Public Health Science, Caring Science with Specialisation in Nursing, Nursing science, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or the equivalent. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/English 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish B/Swedish 3.

Examination

INL1, hand-in assignment, 3 credits, regarding learning objectives 1 and 4; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL2, hand-in assignment, 3 credits, regarding learning objectives 2 and 3; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
PRO1, Project assignment, 0.5 credit, group examination regarding learning objectives 1 and 4; grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
PRO2, Project assignment, 0.5 credit, group examination regarding learning objectives 2 and 3; grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
SEM1, Active participation in seminars, 0.5 credit; regarding learning objectives 1 to 4; grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For a Pass with distinction (VG) on the course as a whole, this grade needs to be achieved on INL1 and INL2. For more detailed information, see the study guidelines.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Three-grade scale