THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
DEPARTMENT OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATION ALBERTA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
SMO 423: Power and Organizations Spring 2017
Course Outline
Instructor: Dr. S. Bruce Thomson
Class Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-4:50 pm Classroom: Bus 1-10
Office Hrs.: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30 -2:00 pm E-mail: [email protected]
Course Overview
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the critical work on power at work in ways not usually considered in mainstream studies of organizations. Very broadly, the course examines the larger context of power at work as it circulates in what 'we' do and how 'we' label or define what 'we' do: it questions who 'we' are and what that means in terms of power and organizing. More specifically, the course examines the role of the different forms of power and how it influences behaviour in the workplace.
In addition to introducing students to different materials on power and organizations, the course is designed to improve the ability of students to critically analyze the assumptions underlying how we think about power, about how the subject is constructed, about management and about organizations.
There is no course textbook. Except where otherwise noted, all articles are available by accessing the University of Alberta library database EBSOHost or ProQuest. The readings will be made available on uLearn as PDF files.
Grading
Final grades will be based on the following:
1) Three Critical Reviews (3 @ 15% each) = 45% Plus 3 twenty minute presentations on the critical reviews (3 @ 5% each) = 15% TOTAL 60%
From a possible nine classes, choose three, and write a critical review of two of that class’s peer reviewed readings, which you will find through a search on EBSOHost or ProQuest, 750-1000
words each maximum (word count to be shown on title page), to be handed in at the beginning of that class. Critical review is to be completed using proper APA formatting, good grammar, spelling, etc. and handed in hard copy at the beginning of the class. The purpose of these critical reviews is to provide the basis for thoughtful, wide ranging class discussions; you will be required to in class to provide a twenty minute summary of your critical review. Late papers will be docked 25% a day. Please choose your three critical reviews at the end of the first class.
In the critical review, students are required to identify the significant themes, issues, and/or the ideas of the assigned and selected readings. A critical review is analytical rather than merely descriptive; it is not simply a summary or précis of the reading. In other words, your critical review has a point of view; it is your response to the readings. Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself: What are the underlying assumptions of the reading, and do I agree, disagree, or is my stance more complicated? What are the strategies recommended to solve problems at work, and based on my own work experience, do I think they might work or not?
2) Term Paper (25%)
After you have chosen your 3 critical reviews, choose a theme covered in the class material for your term paper.
The objective of this paper is to further examine, through the “classical” readings and from your additional research, the significant themes, issues and/or ideas of the readings.
4000 word double spaced paper on the topic (show word count on title page), to be handed in hard copy at the beginning of the class June the 14th. Late papers will be docked 25% a day and will only be accepted up to the 17th of June. Papers will be evaluated on the following criteria: contents and organization (good grasp of the material and material logically organized so that your argument and point of view is clear); originality (evidence of own ideas and work, evidence of thinking through ideas), use of source material (at least 10 references [5 peer reviewed and 5 other]), effective use of the readings and other source material, proper referencing using APA writing and style (good, clear writing, free of errors).
3) Class Participation (15%)
Students are expected to attend class, have readings completed, and contribute to class discussion and group analysis. As this is a higher level course, I encourage and expect stimulating class discussion and collegial group participation. A considerable level of knowledge, expertise and perspective within the class is a valuable resource for each student and this resource should and can be shared. Students should journal contributions and in addition may be asked to completed individual or group exercises and reflections or other work in class.
There is no final exam.
GRADING
At the end of the term, marks will be aggregated according to the weights indicated above, and then converted to a letter grade using the University of Alberta’s letter grading system. Final grades in this course will be based on each student’s relative standing within the class, as well as his/her overall achievement.
Please visit http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/gfcpolicymanual/policymanualsection61-4.cfm for more information.
Grading System:
Participation (see notes above - includes
attendance) 15%
Three Critical Reviews (3 @ 15% each) 45%
Presentation 15%
Term paper 25%
TOTAL 100%
Grade Distribution:
Range Grade
90 – 100 A+
85 – 89.5 A
80 – 84.5 A-
77 – 79.5 B+
74 – 76.5 B
70 – 73.5 B-
67 – 69.5 C+
64 – 66.5 C
60 – 63.5 C-
55 – 59.5 D+
50 – 54.5 D
0 = 49.5 F
A grade of D or better is necessary for undergraduate students to pass this course – grades will not be curved.
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Integrity: “The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour
(http://www.governance.ualberta.ca/CodesofConductandResidenceCommunityStandards/CodeofStudent Behaviour.aspx) and to avoid any behaviour, which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.” (GFC 29 SEP 2003).
Dispute over marks: In the case of a dispute over a mark, the student must provide the instructor with a detailed written explanation about why they believe they deserve a higher mark than was given within 7 days of the assignment being returned. Upon receiving this information, the instructor reserves the right to remark the entire assignment, not just the question(s) in dispute. The new grade, whether higher, lower or the same as the original, will be the final official grade.
Special Needs: Please contact the instructor if you have a disability that may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Special arrangements must be made before any tests are administered. Recording during class (e.g., video, audio) is permitted only with the prior written consent of the instructor or if recording is part of an approved accommodation plan.
ULEARN
uLearn will be used to notify you of important information, additional reading, and any changes in assignments. It is critical that you monitor uLearn as you prepare for each class.
https://ulearn.ualberta.ca.
COURSE SCHEDULE *created April 23, 2016 - subject to change*
Class 1
Topics – Readings
May 9: Introduction to course: Power at Work, or Power Everywhere and Nowhere 2 May 11: Power & influence – culture APA review, paper format review.
3 May 16: Student Presentations & Class discussion 4 May 18: Student Presentations & Class discussion 5 May 23 Student Presentations & Class discussion 6 May 25: Student Presentations & Class discussion 7 May 30: Student Presentations & Class discussion 8 June 1: Student Presentations & Class discussion 9 June 6: Student Presentations & Class discussion 10 June 8: Student Presentations & Class discussion
11 June 13: Student Presentations & Class discussion Wrap Up TERM PAPER DUE
