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2026/2027  BA-BSOCO1813U  Introduction to Organizational Sociology

English Title
Introduction to Organizational Sociology

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Global Relations
Programme BSc in Business Administration and Sociology
Course coordinator
  • Marta Gasparin - Department of Business Humanities and Law (BHL)
Main academic disciplines
  • Organisation
  • Organisational behaviour
  • Sociology
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 26-06-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
  • Evaluate how organizations are viewed and analyzed from a sociological perspective based on relevant theories of organizational sociology
  • Reflect on the organizational structure, purpose, and functions of organizations when analyzed through different perspectives in organizational sociology
  • Describe, explain, compare, and assess organizational circumstances and identify models for how organizations handle their everyday operations
  • Discuss and understand the implications of different models of organization for actual organizational practices
  • Write argumentative essay with a clear structure that conforms to academic standards of writing, in particular correct citation and referencing
Examination
Introduction to Organisational Sociology:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Essay
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration 48 hours to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The examination is a 48-hour individual argumentative essay at the end of the course with a clear structure that conforms to academic standards of writing, in particular correct citation and referencing.

 

Additional rules about the size of the written product will be discussed in class.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The study of organizations is an interdisciplinary field drawing upon disciplines such as sociology, economics, psychology, management studies and political science. This reflects the role organizations play in modern societies. Organizations such as trade unions, companies, universities or public administration permeate all aspects of public and private life and shape our everyday life. The primary focus of this course is on the sociological dimension of organizational analysis. We will examine and discuss the development, relevance and impact of organizations. In order to do so, we draw upon classical and contemporary organizational sociology. The main objectives of this course are therefore to first provide the student with a basic sociological knowledge about organizational structure, purpose and functioning. We secondly will examine specific organizational phenomena such as power, conflict or organizational change, and the ways in which organizations handle their everyday operations by attending to these. Based on this knowledge and drawing upon case studies of different types of organizations, students will thirdly acquire the skills to identify and analyse how various types of activities are organized in the private and the public sector.

 

 
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
Description of the teaching methods
Students are expected to read the material before class, engage with the materials provided in canvas, and actively participate in the classroom activities and at the seminars. The teachers will be available to discuss any queries and issues arising in relation to the course. Appointments can be made via email.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students will be given in-class feedback through group discussions, peer-to-peer discussions and case work. Feedback is integrated throughout the course to support students’ learning and exam preparation. During the teaching period, students receive formative feedback on mock exam assignments, including comments on argumentation, structure, use of theory, and analytical depth. In addition, feedback is provided continuously in class through discussion of exercises, group activities, and plenary dialogue, where students are encouraged to discuss and refine their understanding of key concepts in organisational sociology. After the final exam, students are offered the opportunity to receive clarification of their grade, where the assessment criteria are explained and students can gain insight into the strengths and areas for improvement in their performance.

In addition, the teacher(s) of the course will be available to discuss any queries and issues arising in relation to the course as well as first year project ideas.
Student workload
Lectures 34 hours
Preparation per lecture 2h 68 hours
Written assignments 18 hours
Preparation for the written assignments and oral presentations 70 hours
Independent course work 12 hours
Exercise 4 hours
Further Information

The course is an introduction to organizations and will provide sociological tools for how to analyse them. As such, it relates to the other courses in the program in such a way that it provides substance on which the first-year project might be based. Students will not only engage with theories of organizations but also analyze selected case studies of different organizations that might assist and inspire them to generate research questions for their own project.
Expected literature

Literature will be posted on canvas 
Last updated on 26-06-2026