Course Descriptions
Organizational Dynamics
ORG 301
Survey of Organizational Dynamics
3 credits
This course explores the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups in organizations with a focus on change in the workplace, with a focus on reviewing the factors that demonstrate how organizations interact with their stakeholders: employees, government leaders, clients, and the community. It also explores the attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups in organizations with a focus on change in the workplace. Theories of cooperation, conflict, and innovation are discussed.Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101
ORG 302
Psychology of Leadership
3 credits
Effective leadership is essential to a free society, and an understanding of effective leadership behaviors and traits prepares students for cultivating and honing their own leadership styles. Effective leadership requires the ability to attract followers and motivate them to put forth their best efforts in solving problems. The psychology of leadership behaviors will analyze the leadership behaviors of well-known and not so well-known leaders, evaluate leadership behaviors according to societal values, and synthesize leadership theory into a personal leadership philosophy and action plan. Borrowing from many disciplines, this course will examine the impact of psychological needs and leadership influence. This highly interactive course will use reflection, self-assessments, and simulation scenarios to reflect on effective leadership behaviors and develop leadership skills in students.Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101
ORG 304
Survey of Human Dynamics
3 credits
Success in the workplace requires the application of a variety of skills, many of which involve managing our interactions and relationships with others. This course will help students identify strengths and weakness in areas such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, cross-cultural relations, conflict resolution, stress management, and organizational politics, as well as providing specific skill building opportunities to develop greater proficiency in these areas.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 121
ORG 311
Organizational Behavior, Change, and Development
3 credits
The success and survival of any organization depends on the ability to adapt to change. This course reviews the challenges inherent in overcoming people’s resistance to change as a key factor and determinant of organizational effectiveness. Topics will include incremental change and quantum change. Strategic planning and change process will be discussed. Organizational development techniques will be viewed as effective tools for getting people to adapt to change. Projects will include case studies, role playing, and group discussions.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101
ORG 322
Wellness in the Workplace
3 credits
This course will cover the challenges of creating and sustaining wellness in the workplace. The course will examine health promotion models and preventative management techniques for planning, implementing, and evaluating worksite wellness programs and interventions. The underlying premise of the course is that improving the quality of health of the individual and the organization involves changing organizational systems as well as people’s attitudes and behaviors.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101
ORG 402
Applied Organizational Research
3 credits
This course is the capstone for the Organizational Dynamics Fusion program and is designed to provide a foundation in the application of research methods in organizational settings. As a project-focused course, students will construct a high quality, applied research project that can be used to inform organizational policy and/or decision making. This course is appropriate for students studying organizational dynamics or other related fields and seeking greater understanding of applied organizational research. Examples of some of the topics to be covered in this course are: the philosophical basis of science - deciphering truth from fiction; organizational research techniques and tools; construction and implementation of organizational surveys; construction and implementation of organizational focus group research practices; quantitative versus qualitative research; report writing; research-based decision making, etc.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 340 or SOC 340
ORG 408
Culture of the Workplace
3 credits
General patterns of beliefs, expectations, and values that influence workplace cultural behavior will be discussed. Organizational cultural behavior will be presented as the cognitive framework that consists of assumptions and values that are shared by the organization members. Issues of diversity and multiculturalism will be included.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101
ORG 433
Theoretical View of Organizational Systems
3 credits
This course is designed to explore the prevailing theoretical perspectives that guide the behavior of humans and the organizational systems in which they participate. The practical knowledge and skills necessary to create and lead high performance organizations are examined.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 and PSY 101
ORG 444
Organizational Justice, Ethics, and Social Responsibility
3 credits
This course reviews the multifaceted concept of justice and the variety of questions that are raised in organizational settings. Fairness is discussed in the context of organizational justice. Ethical workplace behavior and social responsibility of organizations will be reviewed. Students will develop and resolve ethical dilemmas of the workplace that affect individual and group values.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101
ORG 477
Introduction to Conflict Management
3 credits
The learning objectives of this course encompass the broad views of conflict and related social and professional interactions. The materials and assignments will emphasize both one’s conscious use of self and analysis of others’ feelings and behaviors in dealing with conflict and its dimensions. This study will include power, emotions, conflict styles, and negotiation skills.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 or PSY 101
ORG 478
Mediation Skills
3 credits
This course provides ''hands-on'' training and experience in acting as a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate negotiations between and among disputing individuals, groups, and organizations. The course makes extensive use of self-assessment instruments, role-playing, simulations, analyses, feedback, and other participative methods to explore one’s conscious use of self in behaving in effective ways to manage conflict. Topics include mediation and negotiation theory, integrative negotiations, the role and responsibilities of the mediator, stages of the mediation process, framing issues and supporting negotiation, working toward an agreement, and related topics including dealing with impasse, handling emotions, mediator ethics, getting past bias, cultural differences, trauma-informed approaches, apology, power, confidentiality, and assessing outcomes.
Prerequisite(s): ORG 477 or PSY 477
ORG 479
Dimensions of Organizational Conflict
3 credits
This course will examine the theory, range, expression, amelioration, and scope of interventions regarding types of workplace related conflicts including interpersonal, group/team, departmental, organizational, interorganizational, and between the organization and its environment (including stakeholders, funders, unions, customers, competitors, and the public). Topics include conducting a ''Conflict Audit''; expression of conflict; culture of conflict; architecture, marketing, and implementing conflict interventions; and evaluation of conflict management initiatives.
Prerequisite(s): ORG 477 or PSY 477
ORG 490
Internship in Organizational Dynamics
0 credits
This course consists of supervised field placement in an agency related to Organizational Dynamics. It is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Note: see Academic Advisor prior to registering for this coursePrerequisite(s): junior status, and overall GPA of 2.5 or higher