ASOK05341U Theory of public organization, administration and work

Volume 2014/2015
Education
MA Theme course
Content

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.

Learning Outcome

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.

Students are expected to have acquired a solid understanding of sociological theory and to be able to apply it independently in connection to the public organization and administrative readings.
The course is participatory. Each session will involve a mixture of lecture and case-discussions engaging students in applying theoretical concepts.

A voluntary visit to a public organization (preferably a Danish municipality or region) will be arranged.
Kurset fungerer samtidig som liniefag i specialiseringsretningen: Organisation, ledelse og arbejdsmarked.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 61,5
  • Lectures
  • 14
  • Preparation
  • 62
  • Total
  • 137,5
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination
Individual 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 assignment
Individual/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.