Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI5F015: Work and Society

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI5F015: Work and Society

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12
Tied to N1K607
Tied to N1K307
Tied to N1K807
Tied to N1K507

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of key issues relating to trends in work and society.

Content

  • Introduction; meanings and orientation to work
  • Globalisation
  • Power in organisations
  • Organisational culture
  • Emotional labour
  • Discrimination at work
  • Organisational misbehaviour
  • Language and organisational communication

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the context and nature of work in contemporary societies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to critically analyse a number of different issues relating to the study of work and society;
  • Be able to critically evaluate competing theories of change in work and society.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Through a combination of lectures, seminars and guided reading addressing key topics in the sociology of work, students will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to enable them to develop a thorough understanding of this specialist field of study.
  • The assessment of the module, by written assignment, is designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to apply it to the analysis of specific issues relating to the study of work and society.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 2 hours 18
Seminars 4 1 hour 4
Preparation & Reading 128
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 2,500 words (max.). 100%

Formative Assessment:

Group presentation


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University