Teaching of the Organizational Sociology group covers a broad range of topics, including organizational and institutional theory, sociological theories of innovation and diffusion of innovations, non-profit organizations, research methodology in the social sciences, computer-based data analysis, comparative macrosociology, and economic sociology. We offer seminars, lectures, and research internships in the following areas of specialization:
1) Theoretical and methodological foundations in the sociology of organizations, professions, and science. Students are acquainted with classical and more recent theoretical approaches in these areas; they acquire competences in relevant methods and learn how to develop their own projects based on recent literature. Relevant study programs: BA/MA Sociology.
2) Organizations as historical formations that have been shaped by their institutional environment. Students are acquainted with and trained in studying various forms and functions of organized areas in modern society. Examples are organizations and organizational fields in science, public administration, economy, politics, mass media, sport, culture and sport. Relevant study programs: BA/MA Sociology and MA Education.
3) Organizations' role in the global post-industrial knowledge economy. Students are trained in studying organizations in higher education, both public and private research organizations, high-tech companies, and various intermediary institutions that have played a pivotal role in the global knowledge economy. We focus on how knowledge and technology are created, distributed, and applied in various social contexts, including their roles in producing inequality and economic as well as ecological risks. Relevant study programs: BA/MA Sociology.
4) Comparative macrosociology of modern societies since the 18th and 19th century. Seminars and lectures focus on how modern western societies differ from non-western and pre-modern societies, how their historical development is explained both theoretically and empirically, with special focus is on the role of religion, social revolutions, and the global transformation of capitalism. BA/MA Sociology and MA Education.
