Appendix 2.8.

107

Bachelor Programme in Sociology

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Nature of the Programme

Sociology studies were launched in 2003, and they comprise three year (full-time and part-time) BA studies. Behind the decision for creating these studies stood practical reasons connected with the process of system transformation in this part of Europe, from communism to democracy, market economy and civil society. These phenomena shaped the form and operating principles of sociology studies in KU. During the initial stages of the transformation process it was crucial to train qualified staff for the changing economy. We responded to these challenges educating students in entrepreneurship and management, marketing, finance and banking. At the same time, the need for a more systematic and global viewpoint on the budding and strengthening new type of society, which demands both diversified and comprehensive knowledge of all social sciences, induced us to introduce a programme for BA sociology studies as part of our curriculum. We had thus extended our university programme offer by highlighting an important component of the processes taking place in the economic and organisational areas of transformation. That is why sociology programme with its interdisciplinary profile is taught at the College of Management and Finance. The aim of sociology studies – in the learning and teaching process – is to equip our graduates with sociology knowledge and practical skills of implementing that knowledge in solving complex problems of contemporary times.

Learning objectives

Sociology programme defined its learning objectives in accordance with the recommendations of EQUAL. The teaching programmes have been designed with the aim of integrating theoretical and applied, practical knowledge. Understanding of the interrelationships between theories, empirical research and social practice facilitates resolving related problems which appear at all levels of organisation of social life, at the convergence of economy, business and society.

In accordance with the general learning aims, the sociology programme combines sociological knowledge with key elements of knowledge in the areas of social sciences, as well as specific professional skills in the chosen branches of sociology and management. It includes theoretical and practical classes, and also internships carried out in different types of institutions outside KU.

In general, learning objectives are realized in four interrelated problem areas supported by courses included in the curriculum. These are: (1) an area of broadly understood and detailed sociological knowledge related to other disciplines of social science; (2) knowledge of methodology; (3) research activity with practical implications and (4) multidisciplinary knowledge connected with social science, applied to reach the designed objectives.

The first two semesters cover general and basic courses, whose aim is to form a foundation for future progress in acquiring knowledge. Their objective is to introduce students into the field of sociology and social science, familiarize them with theoretical basis, conceptual apparatus, main methodological tools and general knowledge connected with the most important social, economic, political and ethical issues of contemporary world. These are the major premises of BA programme in this field of study.

The 2nd and 3rd years of studies cover core and specialized courses, which link theory, methodology and empirical research methods of social science with the practice of everyday life. During the 3rd and 4th semester students mainly do vocational courses and courses relevant to the profile of the academy.

The final two semesters are devoted to broaden general vocational knowledge in the field of the chosen profession and to acquire the skills to use that knowledge in practice. During the 6th semester students are being prepared to take the Bachelor’s exam, which will take place at the completion of the final semester. During the exam students will need to demonstrate the ability to use the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge to solve concrete social problems, as well as the knowledge of methods and techniques indispensable in performing research-advisory functions.

Appendix 2.8.

108

After the 4th semester there is a 4 week (120 hours) internship. The tutor responsible for internships may, upon written request of the student, accept as internship any work performed by student (regardless of the legal relation), if its scope satisfies the aims of the internship programme. The aim of internships is to familiarize students with the conditions and operating principles of different types of institutions and organizations in Polish socio-economic reality. Internships are conducted in institutions (private and state companies, government, local and non-governmental organizations) and are a necessary part of education at the faculty of sociology. Students’ task is not only to complement the knowledge gained during studies with practical skills, but also to form a sense of observation and analysis of the environment. In later stages of learning, this will allow to refer back to students’ experience and thus facilitate the didactic process and provide a confrontation of various viewpoints and places of perception of reality.

Courses which make up the programme of BA sociology studies are of interdisciplinary and complementary nature. Linking key programme elements (theoretical knowledge, empirical research with sociological methods and practical knowledge) determines the success in achieving learning goals.

Programmes provide a common core of courses covering knowledge and skills, which all graduates of bachelor sociology studies should posses, together with courses aimed at broadening the knowledge and skills which shape a specific professional profile of the alumni. At present four optional course blocks are included – marketing block, human resources management, information technology in communication, social policy and social work block – from which a student needs to choose two.

Learning goals

1. Students acquire and develop knowledge, and skills to apply it in practice for sociological research, together with competences in analyzing practical problems of everyday life.

2. The knowledge acquired and developed by sociology students has several special aspects:

• theoretical aspect – consists of notions, concepts, theories, trends and orientations which appear in contemporary sociology (and in the history of sociological thought) and in the area of other fundamental disciplines of social science (anthropology, economics, philosophy, political science, management, law, psychology, etc.);

• methodological aspect – connected to logic, general scientific methodology, methods of sociological research, statistics, demography, the basics of information technology, etc.;

• specialist aspect closely tied with interdisciplinary aspect – both shape the profile of a KU sociology graduate, not only in the area of economic sociology, or sociology of an organization, and also involve competences in the area of management, marketing, finance, and accounting. They are complemented by corresponding specializations (elective subject blocks) characteristic for the chosen professions; both aspects include general, as well as specialist theoretical knowledge and specific skills, which are a necessity in any business activity for a specialist capable of using his knowledge and skills in social sciences.

• practical aspect – related to research practice, ability to conduct individual research on specific socio-economic problems (completion of research projects, internships, etc.) and application of the acquired and accumulated knowledge;

• humanistic aspect – shaping and development of intellectual, ethical, linguistic (two foreign languages), technical, computer and physical competences and skills of our students.

3. Realization of learning goals provides students with the knowledge of diverse contemporary broadly understood social processes. By these we mean not only socio-economic, but also political and cultural processes. Students are aware of their general and particular determinants, and their influence on the activities of individuals and collective players (companies, different kinds of organizations), in addition to creating new rules typical for diverse forms of extremely dynamic and changing social order (networks, hierarchies, markets and their hybrids).

Appendix 2.8.

109

4. As a result of achieving learning goals our students are aware of living in a period of reflective modernity. Its

uniqueness lies in the growing complexity, universal social mobility and the accompanying insecurity specific for a risk society. Reflectiveness means constant assessment of information and knowledge made by individuals and collective subjects, which forms the foundation of human activity. This assessment simultaneously updates the knowledge, which allows efficient and effective response to the constantly changing situation. An attribute of reflectiveness will, therefore, be feedback loops of the subject with himself and with the environment of activity, in the process of gathering information and processing knowledge. Sociology graduates are aware that sociological knowledge, i.e. theories, concepts or interpretation framework of specific phenomena, is not a neutral phenomenon (socially indifferent). This knowledge – as a form of social self-knowledge – becomes an important factor of social changeability. Social theory affects social reality, and a sociologist as a theoretician and researcher is, in a sense, a ‘designer’ of society operating on different levels of the organization of social life.

5. Theoretical knowledge together with empirical, practical knowledge acquired in the process of achieving learning goals constitutes the key component forming the personality of our students as creative, responsible and cooperative people. For a detailed review of achieved learning goals see: Alumni profile.

Target group

BA sociology studies programme is aimed at candidates interested in acquiring theoretical knowledge and relevant practical competences in order to function effectively in the field of business and economics, in such areas as conducting social or marketing research, management activity, personal counselling, broadly understood social communication, information society agencies, etc.

1. Our offer is addressed to students who completed general secondary education and are eligible for tertiary vocational education.

2. The second important group consists of working university graduates who can take up part-time studies. These people, who decided to complete BA studies, are slightly older than the previous group, usually aged between 20 – 30. It is an important target group for us, not only because of the popularity of these studies among them, but also professional experience of its members, which helps us to bridge the gap between practical problems encountered in professional life with social theories. This group is made up of people involved in all kinds of business activities, employees of various organizations as well as civil servants of different ranks.

3. The third group, less numerous than the former ones, is formed by KU or other university students (including foreign universities) who are eligible for sociology studies taught in Polish and have reasons to undertake or continue such studies. A subgroup here are those students who study two specializations simultaneously, either at LKA or other university.

Alumni profile

The profile of alumni embodies the assumptions of the aims of the studies programme. The programme develops alumni who meet the requirements and criteria of the adopted learning objectives. These objectives arise from the nature of the specialization and take into account the requirements of the Academy in relation to students, the requirements of students in relation to the Academy, and, finally, the needs of the labour market in the domestic and international environment of the activity of our graduates.

Appendix 2.8.

110

BA sociology studies at KU train professional personnel who are prepared to perform modern managerial, conceptual, advisory, specialist etc. functions in the socio-economic life. The alumni of BA sociology studies are being prepared to work for:

• companies (private and state-owned); • opinion poll institutes • research, advisory and training companies – including marketing research and personal counselling: • advertising agencies, media houses and PR agencies: • government and local administration; • non-government organizations of civil society; • private and state job agencies.

In brief, our alumni are being prepared to perform professional roles in information society and knowledge society, whose attributes are mentioned above (see: learning goals, section 3 and 4). Our graduate’s profile is the result of realization of learning objectives and learning goals. Its most important features are linked to the interrelated fields: knowledge, skills/competencies and personality.

Features of knowledge of KU alumni:

Knowledge of our alumni within the scope of sociology is closely connected to other branches of social science. Alumni are cognizant of the rules of its appropriate application in four basic processes: (1) explanation-understanding of analyzed phenomena; (2) research-description of phenomena and problems; (3) predicting-forecasting the course of the analyzed phenomena; (4) formulating conclusions and practical recommendations.

Ad. (1) In the explanation-understanding processes of the analyzed phenomena our alumni apply in accordance with the cognitive needs:

a) notions, concepts, sociological theories and epistemological proposals (for instance, models, ideal types concepts, etc.) as well as

b) concepts and theories of relevant disciplines and subdisciplines of social science (e.g. economics, marketing, political sciences, psychology, marketing, etc.).

c) the uniqueness of the examined phenomena, which is made up of the field where they occur, as well as, the scope and level of organization of social life (micro-medium-macro or local, regional, national, transnational, global) where a given phenomenon takes place.

Ad. (2) Research-description as a basic activity of a sociologist involves the above mentioned explanatory function, i.e. the research is usually (or should be) inspired by existing theories on given issues, undertaking and effective conduct of such research should be preceded by knowledge of theoretical solutions to date of the issue in question. A fundamental part in the process of designing sociologic research (of specific phenomena) is played by such features of our candidates as ‘sociologic imagination’ and a skill of critical analysis. In this way, supported by knowledge of social sciences, empirical theories are formed, that is explaining concrete phenomena and aspects of human activity in a descriptive way – closest to the examined reality, and at the lowest level of abstraction. Apart from adopted or verified conceptual-theoretical assumptions, methodological assumptions are crucial in this form of research as they allow for an accurate and honest/true description of the examined fragment of reality.

With regard to realization of empirical research, i.e. description of specific phenomena, our graduates:

a) know and are able to use the basic methods and techniques of social research: desk research study, case study, field research study, sociological survey, heuristics, phenomenology, ethnomethodology, etc.;

b) know the principles, depending on needs, of construction of a questionnaire, or interview, conducting observation (participative or non-participative), exploiting and analysis of different data and found sources, conducting focus research and experiments, preparing research projects, etc.

Appendix 2.8.

111

Ad. (3) Predicting – forecasting phenomena requires referring to many variables. Our alumni are aware of the

complexities and difficulties which sociologists have to face, when they approach those problems. The accuracy of predicting depends on the level of complexity and the scope of the forecast; it demands an interdisciplinary approach and expertise in social science methods, knowledge of statistics, etc. Our alumni examine a variety of forecasts and predictions and analyze the level and conditions of their accuracy.

Ad. (4) Formulating conclusions and practical recommendations of normative character is the result of the conducted research, analysis and discussions on the realization of the research projects. Conclusions and recommendations concern two spheres of activity of our students:

a) different kinds of research itself (see above: Features of knowledge of KU alumni, section 2) and the individual stages of the conducted research, i.e. preparation, realization, description and practical conclusions;

b) proposals of various changes regarding the examined fragment of social reality (e.g. institutional and organizational changes within given organization or community).

Competences and skills of KU alumni:

Competences and skills of our alumni are strictly related to their knowledge and personality features. The main ones – taking into account features of the reflective modernity and globalization – include:

a) competences and skills of critical thinking in relation to the existing theoretical achievements of social science (notions, concepts, models, etc.);

b) ability to analyze and explain phenomena and socio-economic processes in combination with application of knowledge of disciplines involved in business activity, such as marketing, psychology, management, etc., to do so ;

c) ability to formulate research hypothesis, choosing samples constructing research tools and analyzing results in quantitative and qualitative research;

d) ability to use statistical programmes; e) competences in using IT; f) linguistic competences: ability to use actively at least one foreign language at advanced level g) ability to communicate effectively and cooperate in a group:

- competences in formulating and (oral and written) presentation of issues and problems and defending one’s viewpoint;

- ability to work on collective problems as part of a team; - ability to take collective decisions.

Personality features of KU alumni:

a) cognitive and intellectual curiosity, openness to new ways of thinking; b) critical thinking, sociological imagination and social sensitivity; c) readiness and willingness to continue vocational studies for the second degree (Master); d) creativity and willingness to learn from others; e) acting in accordance with principles of professional and social ethics.

Learning outcomes

See: OUTCOMES

Appendix 2.8.

112

Communication with the students

Students are informed about the specific conditions, content and specifications of each subject via:

• Web site • Brochures – a guidebook for first year students, which contains basic information about the Academy

and studies. • Dean’s Office for Management and Finance – individual support or via group prefect • Virtual University – computer system, where students can find notices and information about the course

included in their studies programme, enroll for optional lectures or diploma seminar. Apart from that, the system allows students to access (after logging in) their grades awarded in the process of studies, and individual account, where they can check the amount of their tuition fees and the history of settled payments.

• Contacts with tutors/instructors • Direct, individual appointments with Deputy Director of Management and Finance College, appropriate for

sociology specialization.

During the regular period of studying, students have constant e-mail contact with both the faculty and the Student office so any changes concerning lecture hours, materials, cases are passed on to them immediately.

Promotional activities

Our promotional strategy pursues several primary aims:

• Sharpening and strengthening the distinct image of the school’s unique BA Sociology program, via the five characteristics of prestige, academic character, close cooperation with the business world,

• Promoting the school on selected markets, • Using representatives and agents to increase market exposure, • Entering strategic alliances with partners to increase recruitment for BA in Sociology • Taking advantage of independent rankings.

The target groups for the promotional strategy are:

• high school graduates and their families, • the academic community, • the business community, • government agencies, • local authorities.

The target group see above: Target group

Programme philosophy.

The philosophy of sociology studies emphasises the following issues:

1. interdisciplinary nature of knowledge as an essential approach of social science in a period of reflective modernity, which in the case of sociology means

2. analysis of relationships between sociological theories and practical activities, particularly with engineering approach in organization and management theory;

3. development of integrated interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and competences of our students 4. focusing on creating an integrated student environment, alongside attempts to integrate applied and

theoretical knowledge. We assume that communication between people is an expense free means benefiting integration of the student community, which in turn, influences learning processes through exchange of general and particular skills, thus developing rich and complex personalities of our graduates;

Appendix 2.8.

113

5. combining network solutions (cooperation in different groups) with flat hierarchy (direct access to tutors an

specialization directors) allows every student to develop his competences, skills, personality features, learning and teaching styles, in an intense way within the environment of his activity. The joint effort of group work creates close and productive ties not only between students themselves, but also with their teachers, consequently, in the process of learning and teaching, generating a dynamic academic-research environment;

6. we are convinced, that the appearance of new technologies in communication (IT, mobile phones, etc.) should be accompanied by improvement in writing skills and expressing ideas in the process of learning and preparation for conducting research, which will contribute to personal development;

7. individual personal development of every student is a priority for learning and educating in KU. This is not only about ensuring the best qualifications to our alumni, required by the job market in the volatile environment and insecure social world. The development of our students translates simultaneously into attitudes of our students as active professionals – conscious members of the developing civil society; who are individualistic, but also pro-social.

Learning evaluation methods

Each course has an evaluation method developed by the course designer specifically to match the intended learning goals for the given course. These evaluation methods are described in the syllabi and are subject to the program director’s approval and supervision.

The evaluation methods used in the program include:

• Harvard-style cases marked discussions, • Teamwork projects, • Fieldwork research reports, • Oral exams, • Multiple choice exams, • Essays, • Open books exams, • Take-home exams and case studies, • Reports on completed internships • Writing reviews on academic books published in the last three years

The results of all exams are controlled by the Didactics Office. In all cases where the results are significantly unusual in a statistical sense (atypical distribution of grades) the lecturers are requested to explain this phenomenon.

Appendix 2.8.

114

PROGRAMME CONTENT

Courses Type Credit / Exam

Total Semester (hours)

I II III IV V VI

GENERALCOURSES

Logic L E 1 30 30

Information Technology S Z 60 30 30

English Language S E 6 360 60 60 60 60 60 60

Second Foreign Language S E 4 120 30 30 30 30

Social History of Europe L Z 30 30

Intellectual Property Protection L Z 10 10

Elements of Philosophy L Z 30 30

Physical Education/Sports S Z 60 30 30

CORE COURSES

Introduction to sociology (30l, 30c) L, S E 1 60 60

Culture anthropology C E 1 30 30

Systems, structures and social processes – different theoretical perspectives

C E 90 30 30 30

Social Psychology L E 3 30 30

Contemporary Polish society – change dynamics

C E 5 30 30

Economics (micro and macro) L E2 60 30 30

History of Sociological Thought (30 l, 30c) L, S E 2 60 60

SPECIALIZATION COURSES

Statistics C E 2 30 30

Statistical methods in Sociology S Z 30 30

Social reserch methods (III sem. 30l, IV sem. 30l, 30c)

L, S E 4 90 30 60

Social Science Methodology S E 2 30 30

Social Demography S Z 30 30

Ethical problems in the profession of a sociologist

C E 4 30 30

Contemporary Sociological theories (30l, 30cl)

L, S E 3 60 60

Preparation and realization of a research project

S Z 60 40 20

Socio-cultural processes in Europe L Z 30 30

Social ethics and business ethics C Z 30 30

Social ecology L E 6 30 30

Appendix 2.8.

115

Global socio-economic trends and European integration

L E 6 30 30

General psychology L Z 30 30

Political sciences L Z 30 30

Social and economic policy C Z 30 30

Organization Sociology L E 5 30 30

Economic sociology L E 5 30 30

SPECIALIST COURSES

Principles of management C E 3 60 60

Finance L Z 30 30

Principles of marketing L Z 60 30 30

Principles of accounting C E 4 30 30

Human Resources Management C E 4 60 60

OTHER

Preparation for BA exam C Z 30 30

Optional lecture L Z 30 30

Internship after IV sem. minimum 4 weeks Z 1

BLOCK A

Marketing Research L E 5 30 30

Public relations L E 5 30 30

International Marketing L Z 30 30

Consumer behaviour L Z 30 30

BLOCK B

Organizational conflicts and their resolution L Z 30 30

Organizational behaviour L Z 30 30

Leadership in managing people C E5 30 30

Research in human resources management S Z 30 30

BLOCK C

Interpersonal communication S Z 30 30

Organizational communication C Z 30 30

Promotion L Z 30 30

Information society L Z 30 30

Appendix 2.8.

116

BLOCK D

Social exclusion and marginalisation L Z 30 30

Social aid institutions L Z 30 30

NGO-s L Z 30 30

Public zone and goods C Z 30 30

Changes within the Programme within 5 years

Changes introduced in the programme were brought about by the changes of ministerial standards. They involved introducing some new subjects and eliminating earlier courses due to their modification by the Ministry. The most important change at present is introducing “Preparation for BA exam” subject in the place of “Diploma seminar”. BA exam replaced writing and defending BA thesis at the end of BA sociology studies.

KU has in turn introduced Block D covering 4 courses: (1) Social exclusion and marginalisation; (2) Social aid institutions; (3) NGO-s; (4) Public zone and goods.

Balance between theory and practice

In line with the trends prevalent in the world of social sciences, it is the ambition of sociology programme to integrate high academic level of teaching of theoretical subjects with experience and practical knowledge. A balance is guaranteed by the fact that in sociology programme theoretical disciplines coexist with practical disciplines, of engineering nature. The former perform descriptive-explanatory function. The latter – for example, organization and management theory and its sub-disciplines – are aimed at designing, constructing and examining institutional rules and based on them organized social conditions. These disciplines formulate normative judgements, and indicate a distinct character of social sciences, where the so called “soft” factors play a part in social systems. Practical disciplines emphasize organization analysis methods, which should allow to diagnose and improve its functioning. As a result, theoretical and practical disciplines (normative and methodological approach) create a joint complex which generates knowledge about intricate social reality which is difficult to predict in the period of reflective modernity.

Bearing this in mind, eminent Polish scientists/academics are involved in the realization of sociology programme, who posses substantial research and practical experience apart from didactic one. They teach, for instance, contemporary research methods and techniques used in advisory designing and (re)construction activity.

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Admissions

In Poland the bachelor or undergraduate level degree (Polish. licencjat) represents the equivalent of three years of full-time or part - time study subsequent to the completion of a 12-year pre-collegiate education (in some cases 13). Only candidates holding matriculation (Polish: matura) certificate can enter bachelor program.

Candidates holding Polish matriculation certificates are admitted to bachelor’s programs on the following principles:

• In the recruitment process, matriculation exam results in three courses of candidate’s choice are taken into consideration. Candidates choose from the following courses: Polish, a modern foreign language, Latin and Ancient Culture, Mathematics, Physics with Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, a second foreign language, Social Studies, Information Technology, History of Art.

Appendix 2.8.

117

• The matriculation exam percentage results are converted into qualification points according to the

following principle:

- Standard level: 1% - 1.5 point - Advanced level: 1% - 2 points

• Grades achieved by candidates with so called “old matura” (old version of Polish matriculation exam), International Baccalaureate (IB), or foreign matriculation certificate are also converted into qualification points.

• A ranking list is created. Applicants are accepted until the limit is achieved. Candidates who scored at least 220 points are accepted. The Admissions Commission can decide on accepting candidate who scored less than 220 points.

Different procedures apply when foreign candidate (holding non- Polish high school completion certificate or diploma) applies for enrollment to KU’s bachelor program.

Foreign credentials must be recognized in Poland according to different procedures, depending on the country of their origin and the level of education. Foreign credentials, as well as EU credentials for the purpose of further study, are recognized either on the basis of bilateral agreements or through the procedure of legal recognition (“nostryfikacja”).

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science on the Legal recognition of School Certificates and Maturity Certificates Obtained Abroad (April 6, 2006) any school certificate obtained abroad has to be legalized in the country in which it was issued and then presented to the local educational authority (Kuratorium Oświaty) in Poland in order to be legally recognized (recognised). The above does not apply to the certificates issued in the countries which have signed a bilateral agreement on the recognition of educational credentials with Poland (to see the list of bilateral agreements, please visit www.buwiwm.edu.pl).

The holders of foreign high school diplomas have to apply to Kuratorium Oświaty (Ministry of Education) and submit the following documents:

• Original (or notary proved copy) of your matriculation diploma legalized in the Polish consular office (in case of a diploma issued in a country that belongs to Hague Convention, the apostille is required)

• Document proving that the holder of the High School Diploma can undertake higher education studies at their home country universities. Such document can be issued by appropriate central or local department of education subordinate to the Ministry of Education in your country of origin or in the Polish Consular Office.

• Transcript of records • Sworn translation of the above mentioned documents • Copy of the ID card/ passport

All foreign certificates of high school completion must be recognized via legal recognition process (and thus be made officially equivalent to Polish matriculation certificate). Student must supply legally recognized certificate within the first semester of studies (if he/ she fails to fulfill this requirement he/ she is removed from the students list).

Foreign candidates have to meet the following criteria:

• Hold a legalized or signed ‘apostille’ matriculation certificate or another foreign document that entitles them to continue education at the university level. This document must be equal to a Polish matriculation certificate based on that legal recognition (notarization) regulations for that document regulations or an international agreement, or the applicant must hold a Polish matriculation certificate

Candidates may apply any time of the year. KU processes applications from January 1 until August 15 (non EU-citizens) and until September 30 (EU-citizens). Applications received after these end dates will be kept on file and processed during the next application period.

Appendix 2.8.

118

Pedagogy adopted

We use various forms of teaching and training of our graduates. These include: lectures, classes and group work, workshops, seminars, laboratory classes (language and computers), e-learning, academic club participation, meetings and classes run by practitioners.

All these forms provide interdisciplinary perspective in mastering sociological problem areas, aimed at developing both students’ knowledge and their practical skills related to conducting research and advisory activity in the interdisciplinary field of business sociology.

During the period of studies students can develop their competences and skills relative to their chosen specialization and their areas of interest, as well as their plans for future professional career.

Students can also adopt an Individual Study Plan and Training Programme which guarantees specialized scientific-didactic assistance according to their preferences.

Student Personal Development

Apart from the student personal development possibilities offered on the school’s level (and including student academic clubs, international exchange programs, summer schools, consulting projects, internships, practical computer skills development and certification, language skills intensive training, sports, student unions, choir etc), BA in Sociology also offers a wide variety of elective courses designed specifically according to the needs of our students. Each year students may choose from an array of courses, delivered by KU faculty as well as visiting professors.

International experience development

Sociology students can participate in the ERASMUS programme and can take advantage of opportunities for international contacts created by KU.

Some students run IT companies and in this way function in international corporate networks.

Practical experience

KU provides assistance in career development to student (part-time jobs, internships) and to alumni. The separate administration organization responsible for this service is the 'FORGE' Career Center.

Many students serve internships in companies, research centers and a wide array of organizations. They are also active in NGO-s (e.g. Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy). In addition, many students run their own companies.

Elements of social responsibility within the programme

The programme provides classes on:

a) ethical problems in sociologist’s profession b) social ethics and business ethics

The problems of professional responsibility of a sociologist and social ethical problems are also included in classes on:

a) introduction to sociology; b) social science methodology and social research methodology; c) history of sociological and social thought, as well as contemporary sociological theories; d) philosophy; e) preparation and realization of a research project; f) social ecology; g) specialist subjects in Blocks (A, B, C, D).

Appendix 2.8.

119

It should be added that all faculty teaching at sociology specialization are sensitive to the issues of professional responsibility and share their experience with students.

OUTCOMES

Outcome evaluation methods

Assessment Guiding Principles

Kozminski University’s assessment philosophy, articulated by the guidelines listed below, is expressed through our policies, practices and decisions related to assessment:

• The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. • We recognize that participation of faculty in all stages of the assessment process is vital to its

effectiveness and success. • We assess programs, not faculty. The results of assessment will be used to determine whether we

achieve satisfactory levels of students‘ learning. Results will not be used to evaluate teaching performance of individual faculty.

• We will gather and analyze assessment data to make decisions that will allow us to improve student learning and program delivery.

• We will evaluate individual student performance (papers, tests, presentations, portfolios, etc) • We will develop and use both direct and indirect measures of assessment. • The assessment environments will include both campus and other places, if appropriate. The

environment will be discussed and agreed on with the stakeholders involved. • Depending on the size of the group, the proper student sample will be drawn by using both random and

non-random sampling methods. The size of the sample will therefore vary, but we assume that no less than 20% of the students participating in a program will be sufficient to assess student learning.

• Feedback will be provided both to students and faculty. Assessment activities will be communicated to students and faculty.

• Every year one or two learning goals will be selected for assessment. • The process of assessment is a cyclical one. This means that all the objectives under particular learning

goals will be assessed in a specified period of time (3 years)

Alumni perception on the job market

KU brand, as the leader in private tertiary education, provides sociology students with very good job opportunities. The Academy has contracts with well-known opinion poll companies, where students can conduct internships.

Cooperation with the alumni

After completing BA studies, our graduates usually stay on at the University to complete Master studies (II-nd degree) at sociology or other specializations which offer this opportunity.

QUALITY CONTROL

Procedures for content management

Attaching importance to the quality of program of sociological studies we regularly measure the satisfaction level of our students. Program quality is measured by questionnaires, surveys and interviews among students. We also invite lecturers well known in sociological milieu to deliver some core courses of the program.

Appendix 2.8.

120

Procedures for coordination of learning outcomes and learning objectives

The procedures of quality assurance in Sociology Program are standardized with KU procedures and include the following activities, performed regularly either on semester, or annual, bases:

• Evaluation of syllabi by the Director of the academic Department or Research Center • Evaluation of syllabi and the programs by the Program Committee of the College • Evaluation of syllabi of the elective courses by the Vice-Rector for Students Affairs and Teaching and

Departments and Directors of Research Centers • Analysis of student’s semester questionnaires • Analysis of feedback collected during meetings with student representatives • Quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (focus groups) research of students’ opinions, expectations and

satisfaction levels • Using Plagiat.pl software to check theses for plagiarism (since 2005) • Implementing feedback and solutions proposed and tested with students within the students’ scientific

clubs and associations

The results of quality assessment are reported to the Senate, Rector, Deans, Departments and research centers, faculty and students. The Senate, Rector, Deans and the Program Committee of the College are responsible for their incorporation into curriculum delivery.

Procedures for quality control (of grading, learning aims, etc.)

Student evaluation questionnaires form an essential part of Sociology Program quality assurance processes. In order to ensure the integrity of the evaluation process, a standard procedure is adopted across the all programs and courses. The procedure is intended to:

• Ensure that all students receive a questionnaire for each unit studied, • Encourage good response rates, • Ensure anonymity of those completing the questionnaires, • Facilitate appropriate feedback.

Students evaluate every course they attend based on its relevance and on the professional commitment of the teacher. Each evaluation results are analyzed by the Colleges and the Departments. The instructor also receives feedback. We are currently redesigning our evaluation system. The new system will be built around the concepts of entry qualifications, course objectives, content, process, and learning evaluation. It will also emphasize having students evaluate their own contributions and efforts. We also experiment with on-line administration mode for student evaluation of courses.