In this course we will discuss empirical qualitative research papers in the sociology and theory of organizations in relation to aspects of inequality and social sustainability. On the one hand, we will read papers that focus on the organizational practices being central to the reproduction of inequality (e.g. hiring practices, role of gender, role of cultural capital, role of racio-ethnicity; intersectionality). On the other hand, we will take into consideration currently discussed organizational concepts that aim to reduce inequality (e.g. literature in the field of organizational analysis as “reinventing organizations”).
At the beginning of term, we will read, excerpt and discuss several academic papers, with the aim to develop own criteria to understand, evaluate, synthesize and critique recent research. In the second part of the term, you will deepen your knowledge by conducting small research projects. You can work jointly with your peers in a small group of (up to three) students. We will spend the time on Zoom to discuss and/or work on these projects, but you are also asked to meet (virtually) outside class. In the final weeks of the course, the student groups will present their results.
We will meet on a weekly basis on Zoom.
Material: Please find the material on Moodle (https://moodle.uni-jena.de/)
Requirements: To meet the requirements for earning a certificate (Leistungsschein) participants are asked
- to prepare excerpts of academic papers (2 pages each)
- to prepare a written output (2-4 pages) of your small research project (together as group) and a presentation.
- to take an oral examination (mündliche Prüfung) or to write a term paper (Hausarbeit) or to prepare a portfolio exam (oral examination plus short term paper).
Course language is English.
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