1st Semester

This semester curriculum of English module for MA1 Sociology of Work and Organization students.

Course Overview:

This introductory course explores the sociology of work, examining how work influences individual lives, social structures, and cultural norms. The course provides students with a foundation in the key concepts, theories, and contemporary issues shaping the world of work. Topics include the historical evolution of labor, the division of labor, industrialization, organizational culture, the impact of technology, and globalization. Through a combination of lectures, readings, and case studies, students will gain an understanding of the social and economic forces that shape work and its impact on identity, community, and society.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain major sociological concepts and theories related to work.
• Evaluate how work reinforces or challenges social inequalities.
• Understand how workplace structures and culture shape workers’ identities, relationships, and self-perception.
• Analyze the impact of technological advancement and globalization on contemporary work environments.

Course Overview:

This course explores foundational and contemporary theories that shape work dynamics and organizational structures, offering a deep dive into the principles, strengths, and limitations of various management and organizational models. Students will gain insights into scientific management, bureaucracy, human relations theory, systems theory, and modern approaches like Agile and Holacracy. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and critical analysis, this course examines how these theories influence organizational behavior, culture, and performance.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and explain key theories of work and organizational structures, including Scientific Management, Bureaucratic Theory, Human Relations, Contingency Theory, and Systems Theory.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of traditional and contemporary organizational models.
• Apply these theories to real-world organizational challenges, assessing the suitability of different structures based on organizational goals and environmental factors.
• Analyze the impact of organizational structure on productivity, employee motivation, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
• Develop recommendations for structuring organizations in ways that balance efficiency, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

Course Overview:

This course, Power, Authority, and Decision-Making in Organizations, explores the foundational elements that shape organizational dynamics and impact leadership effectiveness. Students will gain insights into the nature of power and authority, examine different types and sources of power, and understand how these elements influence decision-making processes across various organizational structures. Through case studies, theoretical frameworks, and practical examples, the course emphasizes the interplay between individual influence and formal authority, as well as the ethical implications of power use in leadership.

Course Objectives:

By the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and distinguish the different sources and types of power and their implications for authority and influence in organizational settings.
• Analyze the Role of Authority within various organizational structures and explore how authority influences decision-making at strategic, tactical, and operational levels.
• Evaluate Decision-Making Models and Theories and apply these models to real-world organizational scenarios to develop well-supported decisions.
• Examine the Interrelationship Between Power, Authority, and Decision-Making, including the impact of organizational culture, politics, and ethics on these dynamics.

Course Overview:

This course examines how work influences self-perception, shapes social roles, and impacts overall well-being. Drawing from psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, students will investigate how identities are formed, maintained, and transformed in professional contexts. Topics include the role of work in defining self-worth, the societal and cultural implications of occupational roles, gendered expectations in the workplace, and the challenges of career transitions. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and self-reflective exercises, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between work and identity in modern society.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze how professional roles and responsibilities shape personal and social identities.
• Evaluate the cultural and societal factors that influence perceptions of work and its impact on identity.
• Examine the psychological and emotional effects of over-identification with work roles, including burnout and identity crises.
• Understand the dynamics of career transitions and identity reconstruction during significant life or career changes.
• Apply strategies for achieving a balanced relationship between work and identity to foster resilience and personal fulfillment.

Course Overview:

This course explores the dynamics of modern labor markets, focusing on the concepts of flexibility and precarious work. It examines how global economic shifts, technological advancements, and policy changes shape employment structures, worker experiences, and societal outcomes. Participants will engage with theoretical frameworks, case studies, and empirical evidence to understand the rise of non-standard work arrangements, the gig economy, and the implications for economic inequality and social welfare. The course emphasizes the need for balanced approaches to labor market flexibility and worker protections in the context of changing economic landscapes.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the functioning of labor markets, including supply-demand interactions, segmentation, and the impacts of globalization and technological change.
• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of flexible labor arrangements for employers and workers, including part-time, freelance, and gig work.
• Identify the characteristics of precarious work and its implications for economic inequality, mental health, and social stability.
• Examine existing and proposed policy measures, such as labor law reforms, universal basic income, and collective bargaining, to address the challenges posed by precarious work.

Course Overview:

This course explores the dynamic relationship between gender and the workplace, examining how societal norms, policies, and organizational practices influence employment opportunities, career progression, and workplace culture. It delves into key concepts such as the gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and the glass ceiling while emphasizing the role of intersectionality in shaping individual experiences.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define and explain terms such as gender equity, wage gap, occupational segregation, glass ceiling, and intersectionality.
• Investigate how societal norms and historical developments have shaped gender roles in various industries and occupations.
• Design actionable strategies to address gender disparities and foster inclusive environments in professional settings.
• Compare and contrast gender and work dynamics across different cultural, legal, and economic contexts worldwide.

Course Overview:

This course explores the intersections of race, ethnicity, and work, focusing on how these identities influence labor market dynamics, workplace experiences, and economic outcomes. It provides a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on sociology, economics, history, and organizational studies to examine issues such as employment disparities, workplace discrimination, and the contributions of diverse groups to global economies. The course also highlights strategies for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Define and differentiate between race, ethnicity, and related terms, and understand their relevance in the context of work.
• Examine how historical legacies such as slavery, colonialism, immigration, and civil rights movements have shaped labor markets and workplace dynamics.
• Identify and analyze disparities in employment, wages, and representation across different racial and ethnic groups.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in addressing workplace inequities.

Course Overview:

This course explores the profound impact of technological advancements and automation on work and society. It delves into the historical evolution of work in response to technological innovation, the current trends reshaping industries, and the ethical, social, and economic implications of automation. Through case studies, discussions, and critical analysis, students will examine how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital platforms influence job creation, job displacement, and workplace dynamics.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify key technologies driving current changes in industries and workplaces.
• Explain the historical evolution of work in response to technological advancements.
• Investigate trends such as AI, gig work, and remote working, and their implications for the future of employment.
• Explore strategies for adapting to changes in work structures and skill demands.

Course Overview:

This course explores the concept of work-life balance and its essential role in fostering personal and professional well-being. Participants will learn how to identify the challenges that hinder balance, develop practical strategies to manage competing demands, and cultivate habits that enhance their overall health and happiness. Through a combination of theory, real-world examples, and interactive activities, this course equips individuals to create a sustainable equilibrium between their work and personal lives.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define work-life balance and well-being and recognize their importance in personal and professional contexts.
• Analyze common challenges and obstacles that prevent individuals from achieving balance.
• Build communication skills to improve interpersonal relationships at work and home.
• Design a customized plan for sustaining work-life balance and improving long-term well-being.

Course Overview:

This course explores the dynamic and evolving landscape of work, focusing on the technological, economic, and societal forces reshaping employment and organizational structures. Participants will examine key trends such as automation, artificial intelligence, remote work, the gig economy, and sustainability in the workplace. By understanding these shifts, learners will gain insights into how to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing work environment. The course combines theoretical perspectives with practical applications, using case studies, discussions, and interactive activities to foster critical thinking and strategic planning.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and analyze the technological, economic, and demographic trends shaping the future of work.
• Assess how automation, AI, and digital transformation are influencing industries and employment.
• Examine shifts in workforce demographics, remote work models, and organizational structures.
• Recognize the importance of reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning to remain competitive in a dynamic job market.