Course content

The course provides an introduction to the digitalization of organizations, working life and administration in the public sector. Students gain in-depth knowledge of basic theory and concepts, political science perspectives on public administration, and current theoretical debates within sociology of work. Empirical examples of digitization illustrate how digitization is an integral part of major developments in society, organization and working life.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

* have advanced knowledge of how digitalization affects organizations, work and working life as an object of study, and be able to reflect independently on existing theories and academic topics within this subject area.

* have specialized insight into examples of digitization in public organizations and administration, and key framework conditions for these.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

* have tools to systematically analyze the socio-political conditions and processes that drive digitalization and that are being changed by digitalization, as well as how digitalization has changed and is changing organizations, administration and working life.

General competence - the candidate:

* can independently plan and carry out research and evaluation projects in the intersection of organization, digitalization, work and administration with the use of social science methods, both independently and in collaboration with others.

* get a conceptual framework for analyzing, illuminating, and reflecting on technology, politics, and societal change.

* understands how key dimensions in the digital economy are important for working life, professions, organizations, and the welfare state.

* can act as an advisor who sets digitalization processes in context.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/ seminars (4 hours) per week. The course is taught intensively through three sessions during the semester. The students are expected to participate in teaching activities, including presentations, and they must submit mandatory assignments.

The lectures/ seminars are given in English or Norwegian.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory submissions and group activity. Further requirements will be stated.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Required previous knowledge

At least 80 credits in courses from theoretical areas within social sciences, or 180 credits within economics and administration.

The student must have social science method course(s) of at least 7.5 credits. Both qualitative and quantitative methods must be covered. The student must also have a Bachelor Thesis of at least 7.5 credits. The method and the Bachelor Thesis will be included in the 80 or 180 credits in the point above. The prerequisite must be met to be able to start the course.

Requires admission to the following master's program:

Organization, Digitalization, Administration and Work (MODAA)

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.