SOC 6610 Organizations and Social Action

This course is a survey of organization theory, focusing on the variety of tools with which sociologists and others have approached the difficult task of characterizing and understanding large, complex organizations. It considers a variety of different theoretical perspectives, ranging from images of organizations as decision-making systems, to organizations as arenas for conflict over power and status, to organizations as elements in broader social and cultural milieus. Particular attention is given to the notion of organizations as complex systems embedded within social and organizational environments and their ability to promote and stem social action. Course offered every two years, Summer Semester.
Credits: 3.0