Course Catalog 2007-2008

Associate Professor of Psychology David P. J. Przybyla, Director

The Organizational Studies program is multidisciplinary in intent and grounded in the liberal arts. Developing a theoretical base for organizational participation, leadership, and human interaction requires moving beyond a single area of specialization. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will begin to develop 1) an understanding of the human condition as it is experienced in organizational life, 2) an understanding of the complex nature of systems and institutions, and 3) the capacity for analysis that moves beyond simplistic solutions to explore the interplay of values, responsibility, and the achievement of social goals. The goals of this theoretical base are to be supplemented by and integrally related to both a significant internship experience in an appropriate organization and the mastering of specific skills not available in the regular curriculum.

General Requirements for the Certificate. In order to fulfill the requirements for certification in Organizational Studies, a student must accomplish the following:

In order to further integration and thoughtful choices, the program director shall advise and have final authority over each student's particular program selections. Course selections are to be made from the approved list. Exceptions are only by petition. Petitions must include a complete course syllabus and a detailed rational for the exception.

Core Courses. The three courses -- one from Area A, one from Area B, and one from either area -- must be taken from at least two different departments. A Directed Study or Senior Research Project may replace one of the courses.

A. The Individual Within the Organization. Courses that meet this requirement are designed to focus on the role and development of the individual in organizational settings. Students will examine some combination of the following issues: 1) how individuals acquire, develop, and use knowledge in organizational settings, 2) how individuals communicate in the process of social interaction, 3) how individuals gain an overview of the nature and foundations of sociocultural behavior.

B. Organizational Processes and Social Organizing. Courses that meet this requirement are designed to focus on interdependent relationships within organizations. Students will develop an understanding of organizational life that reflects on either the broad nature of social organizing or a specific aspect of organizational life.

C. Electives or Applications. Courses and projects that meet this requirement are designed to focus on an aspect of organizational studies that is particularly appropriate to the student's vocational aspirations, the integrity of the program, and/or the major. Students have the following options:

Summer Session. The premise guiding this four-week seminar is that organizations need persons capable of examining problems with a critical and imaginative eye and of responding in an ever-changing environment with policies, actions, and decisions derived from a broad knowledge base. A major strength of Denison's liberal arts program is that it fosters the development of this broad knowledge base, as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The summer seminar focuses on the application of those skills in organizations. Working primarily with Denison alumni/ae, students are introduced to the language and fundamental principles of organizational management, decision-making, marketing, finance, and accounting. Equipped with this information, students serve as consultants for local nonprofit and commercial enterprises, taking on the tasks of researching and analyzing problems, formulating solutions, and presenting findings to clients. In addition, students travel to cities such as New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh to learn first-hand the nature of operations in advertising agencies, investment banks, manufacturing plants, and other businesses.

Internship and Integrative Paper. The internship should take place during the months following the summer session, or during the fall semester. The internship will become the venue where coursework and the summer seminar are brought into play. The completion of the internship shall result in a major, integrative paper.