Course Descriptions
Semester I (Fall)
OD 513 Facilitation and Training (4 units): Theories of adult development,learning styles, and experience-based training. In-class practice in assessing needs,defining objectives, designing and planning training experiences, presentation methods and skills, and evaluating outcomes. Students apply emerging methods for managing meetings and facilitating groups for effective planning, problem solving and communication.
OD 533-A Interpersonal Dynamics in Organization Development (2 units): Experiential and conceptual study of group and interpersonal interaction processes, with an emphasis on the unfolding dynamics within the class group itself. Interpersonal feedback in the service of personal and professional development. Developmental models of group behavior examined, and intervention and facilitation methods and skills explored.
OD 554 Organizational Systems Inquiry (4 units): Study of human systems and organizations based on core and emerging theories and research. Emphasis on application of systemic perspectives for understanding the functioning and dynamics of organizations, including structure, culture, technology, leadership, environment and change.
Semester II (Spring)
OD 514 Organization and Team Development (4 units): Contributions of systems theory and organization development practice for guiding constructive change and self-renewal in groups, organizations and communities. Students integrate theory and practice of process-oriented leadership and consultation in the context of a supervised field experience with an actual organization.
OD 533-B Interpersonal Dynamics in Organization Development (2 units): Continuation of 533A (see above).
OD 556 Socio-Technic Systems Redesign (4 units): A seminar in the design or redesign of work organizations to increase productive effectiveness while enhancing the quality of the human work experience. Emphasis on the application of systems concepts and methods for understanding and jointly optimizing the social and technical aspects of work environments. Both classical and emerging models for addressing whole system change are considered.
Semester III (Fall)
OD 518-A Advanced Intervention Methods in Organization Development (2 units): Intensive workshops and short seminars on advanced topics and methods for guiding change such as open systems planning, future search conference, dialogue, open space, participative redesign, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.
OD 544-A Qualitative Research in Organizations (2 units): Introduction to the principles and techniques for designing and carrying out applied qualitative research in organizations.
OD 557-A Human Systems Redesign (2 units): This course is about the social construction of meaning in the context of interrelated human systems, including individuals, relationships, teams, families, organizations, communities, and the global society. We consider analytical perspectives and their application to the practice of facilitating change and leadership.
OD 572-A Internship and Professional Practice in Organization Development (4 units): Seminar in current and emerging topics related to professional practice as an internal consultant, external consultant, or change leader. Students carry out 180 hours of approved supervised field projects applying Organization Development concepts and methods with groups, organizations, and communities.
Semester IV (Spring)
OD 518-B Advanced Intervention Methods in Organization Development (2 units): Continuation from previous semester (see above).
OD 544-B Qualitative Research in Organizations (1 unit): Continuation from previous semester (see above).
OD 557-B Human Systems Redesign (1 unit): Continuation from previous semester (see above).
OD 572-B Internship and Professional Practice in Organization Development (4 units): Continuation from previous semester (see above).
OD 598 Culminating Paper (2 units): Individual guidance and supervision for framing and writing a publishable quality professional paper required as a culminating experience for graduation.
Culminating Requirement
In order to graduate, students are required to complete a culminating experience consisting of two parts:
- An analytical case study demonstrating competence in the design and implementation of an organization development project with an actual organization.
- A publishable article on a topic relevant to professional practice in organizations.
Both reports must be planned with and approved by the student's faculty advisor. Contact faculty member(s) for examples from former students. Students present their research each May at the Culminating Celebration.