Sociology of Work, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course introduces the sociology of work and employment. During the course, social relations, normative codes, and organisational structures that inform the behaviour, experience, and identity in work life are discussed through theoretical and empirical research. Throughout the course, students will develop an understanding of the research area, as well as the more generic skills of oral and written presentation, critical appraisal, and research communication.

Expected learning outcomes

In terms of knowledge and understanding, on successful completion of the course, the student will need to:

• demonstrate a basic understanding of sociological and social psychological theories on work and employment and be able to explain these theories independently
• demonstrate a basic understanding of empirical research on work and employment and be able to explain this research independently

In terms of skills and proficiency, and on successful completion of the course, the student will:

• be able to orally discuss and present relevant course themes to an audience
• be able to write in a form that conforms to academic conventions and thereby describe and analyse relations between the specialisation areas of the course

In terms of the logic of inquiry and value, and on successful completion of the course, the student will:

• be able to independently problematise and critically reflect on the relationship between the specialisation areas presented

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The course content is delivered through lectures, seminars and group exercises.

Examination modes

The course is examined partly by an individually written report, and partly by written essays and oral group presentations. 

The assessment must be individual or designed in such a way that individual examination can take place at all courses organized by the department. The Swedish grading system states that the following grades may be awarded: Pass with Distinction (väl godkänd), Pass (godkänd) or Fail (underkänd). For the grade Pass, at least Pass is required on all examinations. For the grade Pass with Distinction, the grade Pass with Distinction on the individual report is also required. For comparison of grades, Umeå University has decided that the ECTS Grading Table (EGT) shall be used. International students' home university is responsible for any translation into their local grading system.

For each examining part of the course is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June is the first reexamination offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this is a third reexamination given within a year after the end of the course.  A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed after a written request to the head of department.

The examiner can decide to deviate from the specified forms of examination. Individual adaptation of the examination shall be considered based on the needs of the student. The examination is adapted within the constraints of the expected learning outcomes. A student that needs adapted examination shall no later than 10 days before the examination request adaptation from the Department of Computing Science. The examiner makes a decision of adapted examination and the student is notified.

Other regulations

Credit transfer
In order to transfer credits to a corresponding course at Umeå University, students have the right to submit previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession for evaluation. Application for transfer of credits is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. More information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's student website, www.student.umu.se. 

If the syllabus has expired or the course has been discontinued, a student who at some point registered for the course is guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination) according to this syllabus for a maximum period of two years from the syllabus expiring or the course being discontinued.