Course objectives: The logic of organisations, particularly in the context of international aid in development, is being transformed. Analysis of systems of management of environment and forest ecosystems requires a more thorough theoretical and methodological knowledge of social sciences for action. This course brings deeper understanding about the way social sciences –in particular sociology of organizations and management sciences – can improve handling of issues in management of natural resources.

Course contents: Methods of enquiry in Social sciences. Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Methods of reasoning and conceptual frameworks for analysis of organisations. Organisational approach to collective action (« French School of Organisational Sociology »). Specific methods of enquiry on complex systems in rural communities (different types of diagnostic analysis, participative methods, etc.) Anthropology of development, social anthropology of social change. Strategic analysis.

Teaching and learning methods: Course, Conferences. Depth empirical studies of diverse forms of collective action in environmental management in supervised exercises groups. Round table on articles and publications with guest speakers. Application of acquired knowledge through organised collective fieldwork exercises. Active participation of students is required.

Examination: The students’ work is evaluated throughout the courses, and in particular during the round table session and its preparation as well as in the groups during the supervised exercises and the written reports following the round-table session (criteria: written ability and sense of synthesis).

Competences acquired: By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate (1) Ability to apply methods of sociological enquiry adapted to the types of organisation being studied (2) Ability to discuss and compare methods of analysing organisations and collective action.

Course homepage: http://www.agroparistech.fr/en/Training/Emetf/Emetf.htm