MA in Applied Sociology HRM Course Description at University of Indianapolis in Athens Greece
July 4th, 2009SOC 515 Sociology of Work.
Gives the student a sociological perspective on work, its
organization dynamics, and direction in modern society. Includes an overview of occupations in
their historical and contemporary contexts and introduces the concepts of work motivation, job
satisfaction, organizational stress, social stratification, also integration of work and leisure in mass
society are examined. The major frames of reference are: theories of complex organization; the
social psychology of work and self; and theories of occupation processes. (3 credits)
SOC 520 History of Social Thought.
A central course in the study of sociology, focusing
on the origins of contemporary social ideas. In addition to the important western social theorists
(Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Mead, Park, Goffman) the course also analyzes the social theories and
perspectives of other cultures, social groups and within organizational settings. (4 credits)
SOC 530 Introduction to Social Research.
Introduction to the nature and problems of
research. Emphasis is placed on the areas of design and the construction of instruments for the
measurement of social data. Particular emphasis is placed on research topics related to Human
Resource Management. (4 credits)
SOC 550 Human Resource Management:
Practicum. Practical application of classroom
knowledge to an actual work situation in the field thus offering the student experiential learning
in his/her chosen area. Field practica are arranged at appropriate organizations. The student
is supervised by an on-site professional as well as a faculty member. A grade of Satisfactory/
Unsatisfactory will be given for the course. (3 credits)
SOC 575 Issues in Applied Sociology-Human Resource Management.
A core
course in the Master of Arts program, its focus is on the application of sociological knowledge
and skills related to Human Resource Management and it emphasizes sociological theory as a
framework for addressing such issues. The course is designed to expose students to the diverse
setting in which sociology is practiced. It will combine extensive experiential learning with
classroom discussion and lectures. (4 credits)
SOC 580-1 Human Resource Management - Marketing.
Course designed to help
the student develop an understanding of the types of information that can be made available
through marketing research. The marketing research process and the marketing decision process
are presented and practically applied. Use of computers and statistical tools is utilized in this
applied approach. A special project in Human Resource Management marketing applications will
be assigned. (3 credits)
SOC 580-3 Management Information Systems.
A study of the application of computer
hardware and software addressing the organizational need for information. The structure,
development, and management of an information system, with its functional relationship to the
organization, its potential effect on behavior, and the decision making tools required for successful
implementation are investigated. A project investigating the unique and specific information
system requirements of Human Resource Management will be completed. (3 credits)
SOC 580-7 Social & Cultural Basis of Behavior.
The course covers theory & research
on the social & cultural aspects of behavior. It provides a broad perspective of in-group/out-group
relationships, aggression, attributions, conformity, and cooperation within diverse cultural frames.
It examines socio-cultural influences on work behavior and organizational structure on the
definition of mental and physical health, and on verbal/non-verbal components of communication,
as well as emotional expression. Definitions of personality are discussed through cross-cultural
approaches to the study, understanding, and measurement of individual differences. (3 credits)
SOC 580-8 Human Resource Management I:
The first of two courses surveying the
specific issues, skills, competencies and techniques related to human resource management. Issues
and processes are considered in the areas of HR Planning, Recruitment & Selection, Learning &
Development, Performance Management and Strategic HRM. (3 credits)
SOC 580-9 Personality Assessment.
Covers the development, administration, scoring,
and interpretation of major objective and projective personality assessment instruments. Includes
the MMPI-2, 16PF, Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test, and other personality tests of interest.
Test selection, report writing, and diversity issues in appropriate test usage are also discussed. (3
credits)
SOC 580-10 Career Development.
This course provides a broad understanding of career
and lifestyle development issues addressed by professional counselors and psychologists with
their clients. Students will examine a number of topics including career development theories and
decision making models involving: career development information resources, computer-based
career information systems, and career development programs. This course will also address
the interrelationships between work and family, as well as multicultural and gender issues and
assessment instruments in career planning and decision making. (3 credits)
SOC 580-11 Human Resource Management II:
The second of two courses surveying
the specific issues, skills, competencies and techniques related to human resource management.
Issues and processes are considered in the areas of Reward Management, Employee Involvement &
Empowerment, Communication, Managing Change & Conflict and International HRM. (3 credits)
SOC 580-12 Labor Market & Labor Law.
The labor market dictates supply and demand
which determines to a large extent, where the organization will draw its “talent” from. Issues
include unemployment, underemployment, heteroemployment and labor market mismatches.
Labor law and other relevant regulations will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the
Greek context for market and legal issues. (3 credits)
SOC 580-13 Corporate & HR Strategies.
A general overview of corporate strategies
will be discussed with particular attention paid to the increasingly central role of human resource
management. The difficulty in sustaining a competitive advantage in rapidly changing markets
requires an understanding of the various functional areas of the organization and how they
cooperate. (3 credits)