Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module BUSI47V15: WORK AND SOCIETY (ONLINE)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI47V15: WORK AND SOCIETY (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2019/20
Tied to N6K107
Tied to N6K207
Tied to N1KY07
Tied to N1N107

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Word and Society (Taught)

Aims

  • To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of key issues relating to trends in work and society.

Content

  • Introduction; meanings and orientation to work
  • Globalisation
  • Power in organisations
  • Organisational culture
  • Emotional labour
  • Discrimination at work
  • Organisational misbehaviour
  • Language and organisational communication

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of the module students should have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the context and nature of work in contemporary societies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • Be able to critically analyse a number of different issues relating to the study of work and society;
  • Be able to critically evaluate competing theories of change in work and society.
Key Skills:
  • effective written communication skills
  • planning, organising and time management skills
  • problem solving and analytical skills
  • the ability to use initiative
  • advanced skills in the interpretation of data
  • advanced computer literacy skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered via online learning across a six month period, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email).
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment analysing a contemporary work-related issue 3000 words 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University