Organization Development Program - Sonoma State University

Course Sequence


Semester I

Psy 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.

Psy 533A Group 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. Limited to students in the Organization Development Program. (Four semesters)

Psy 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

Psy 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.

Psy 533B Group Dynamics in Organization Development (2 units) Continuation of 533A (see above).


Psy 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

Psy 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.

Psy 544-A Qualitative Research Methods (1-2 units) Introduction to the principles and techniques for designing and carrying out applied qualitative research in organizations.

Psy 557 Redesigning Human Systems (2 units) The social construction of meaning in the context of interrelated human systems, including individuals, relationships, teams, families, organizations, communities, and the global society.

Psy 572-A Internship and Professional Practice in Organization Development (3 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

Psy 518-B Advanced Intervention Methods in Organization Development (2 units) Continuation from previous semester (see above).

Psy 544-B Qualitative Research Methods (1-2 units) Continuation from previous semester (see above).

Psy 572-B Internship and Professional Practice in Organization Development (3 units)
Continuation from previous semester (see above).

Psy 596 Graduate Tutorial (2-4 units)
Individual guidance and supervision for framing and writing a publishable quality professional paper required as a culminating experience for graduation.



Electives

While the required courses comprise a full program of study for the Master's Degree (36 semester units), some students may elect to enrich their learning with one or more of the following:

PSY 242 Computer Applications in Social Science
PSY 322 Myth, Dream and Symbol
PSY 418 The Psychology of Family
PSY 462 Seminar in Humanistic and Existential Psychology
PSY 485 Ecopsychology
PSY 558 Human Systems and Social Change

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Updated: 6/13/07