ASOK05341U Theory of public organization, administration and work
This course takes a critical approach to the field of public organization and administration which is rarely dealt with comprehensively within sociology. During the course students are introduced to classic and modern theory on bureaucracy, legitimacy and administration of the public sector.
The course is organized in 7 sessions. First students are introduced to classical thinking about the bureaucracy and public administration. Next, mainstream concepts on the reforming and modernization of the public sector is introduced. During the following three sessions rational choice thinking in public administration is scrutinized. It is demonstrated how public choice concepts has both influenced and become challenged by various ‘new’ ways of approaching public administration end employees. Furthermore, we look closer at classic and new understandings of the concept of legitimacy. In the last two sessions the course deals with different analytical approaches to public employees, welfare professionals, their motivation and the creation of trust within the public organization.
Knowledge:
This course will sharpen students understanding of mainstream theoretical concepts within public administration and administrative politics. A subject area highly relevant to the study of political sociology and organization studies.
Skills:
The aim of the course is to enhance students ability to critically scrutinize modern administration and reform of the public sector applying sociological understandings of power, bureaucracy, institution, culture and action.
Competence:
Through this course students will strengthen their ability to understand logics of public administration which most of them will encounter during their working life. Today about one third of all Danish workplaces are found within the public sector in Denmark. Public sector provides the main bulk of welfare and social security and is also heavily involved in supporting arts and private enterprise.
A voluntary visit to a public organization (preferably a Danish municipality or region) will be arranged.
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 61,5
- Lectures
- 14
- Preparation
- 62
- Total
- 137,5
The deadline for signing up for courses is December 1st for the spring semester and June 1st for the autumn semester. When signing up you are automatically signed up for exam.
International students must sign up by filling in an application form which you find here: course registration
Meritstuderende: klik her
- Credit
- 5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examinationIndividual exam
Assesment: 7-point grading scale
See details concerning form of examination exam in the curriculum - Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Internal examiners
- Exam period
- Submission dates and time will be available on the homepage of Sociology / education Site / Exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
Please see the learning outcome
- Credit
- 5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentIndividual/group
Assesment: 7-point grading scale
See details concerning form of examination exam in the curriculum - Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Internal examiners
- Exam period
- Submission dates and time will be available on the homepage of Sociology / education Site / Exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
Please see the learning Outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- ASOK05341U
- Credit
- 5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 semester
- Placement
- Spring
- Schedule
- See schedule
- Course capacity
- Max. 20
- Continuing and further education
- Price
- Study board
- Department of Sociology, Study Council
Contracting department
- Department of Sociology
Course responsibles
- Signe Pedersen (4-766471674376647069316e7831676e)
Lecturers
Nana Wesley Hansen, nha@faos.dk