| Course title | Organized Civil Society |
| Course code | SociM005 |
| Credit points (ECTS) | 5 |
| Total Hours in Course | 135 |
| Number of hours for lectures | 20 |
| Number of hours for seminars and practical classes | 20 |
| Number of hours for laboratory classes | 0 |
| Independent study hours | 95 |
| Date of course confirmation | 12/03/2025 |
| Responsible Unit | Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities |
| Course developers | |
| Dr. hist., doc. Jānis Ķusis Mg. paed., lekt. Baiba Miltoviča |
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| Prior knowledge | |
| PolZM001, Public Administration |
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| Course abstract | |
| The aim of the study course is to deepen the understanding of master's students about the manifestations of organized civil society organizations, the non-governmental sector as an instrument of civil society. The course content analyzes the essence of organized civil society, its role in society, and operating principles, linking it to current problems of modern society and directions of sociological research. | |
| Learning outcomes and their assessment | |
| Knowledge: in-depth knowledge of the manifestations and forms of organized civil society organizations in Latvia and the world, understanding of the nature of civil society and its manifestations in society, principles of organized civil society organizations operation, functions and management – tests, practical work, exam.
Professional skills: is able to evaluate the situation and social changes in the non-governmental sector in Latvia, is able to see connections in the civil society and global context, is able to characterize and organize civic participation actions in local communities, is able to use sociological tools in the study of organized civil society organizations – practical work. General skills: is able to responsibly plan and fulfill assigned tasks, demonstrates mutual interaction, cooperation and organizational skills – practical work. Competence: is able to independently formulate and critically analyze complex and dynamic problems and challenges in organized civil society organizations activities, is able to apply the acquired knowledge, theories and methods of sociology and public administration, analyzing the development of organized civil society organizations uses their professional competence in evaluating the activities of organized civil society organizations – practical work, exam. |
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| Course Content(Calendar) | |
| Full-time studies (20 hours):
1. The essence of civil society, interpretations, operationalization - 2h 2. History of the formation of civil society, conditions, elements - 2h 3. Self-organization of civil society and forms of self-organization - foundations (public and private), professional associations, trade unions and cooperatives, local community organizations - 2h 4. Non-governmental organization as an expression of civil society - 2h 5. Dialogue between citizens and the state. Civil society dialogue vs. social dialogue - 2h 6. Cooperation of non-governmental organizations with state administration institutions and local governments - 2h 7. European Citizens' Dialogue: The role of the European Economic and Social Committee in the legislative process of the European Union - 2h 8. Management of non-governmental organizations. Leadership - 2h 9. Application of sociological theories in the study of non-governmental organizations - 2h 10. Current events in the sociological study of non-governmental organizations and their development perspectives - 2h Topics and content of practical work and seminars (20 hours): 1. Examples of civil society self-organization in Latvia and European countries - 2h 2. Civic participation. Implementation of civic participation actions in the local community - 2h / test 1 3. Cooperation as an action strategy. Cooperation of non-governmental organizations. Centers of non-governmental organizations - 4h / test 2 4. Platforms of public initiatives, crowd funding platforms - 2h 5. Volunteer movement, their role in economic and social cohesion - 2h 6. Financial management of non-governmental organizations. Building relationships with sponsors - 2h 7. International cooperation of non-governmental organizations: formation of associations, networking - 2h / practical works: search for good examples, compilation and analysis, discussion at the end. 8. Sustainability of the organized civil society organizations. NGO sustainability index. Application of sociological theories in the study of organized civil society organizations - 4h / exam Part-time distance learning: All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies. |
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| Requirements for awarding credit points | |
| Two tests have been successfully passed, practical works has been completed. Written exam. All tests and independent work scheduled for the study course must be completed and successfully assessed.
The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable. |
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| Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work | |
| Tests and practical works - in-depth knowledge of the manifestations and forms of organized civil society organizations in Latvia and the world, understanding of the nature of civil society and its manifestations in society, principles of operation, functions and management of organized civil society.
Exam - is able to independently formulate and critically analyze complex and dynamic problems and challenges in organized civil society organizations activities, is able to apply the acquired knowledge, theories and methods of sociology and public administration, analyzing the development of organized civil society organizations uses their professional competence in evaluating the activities of non-governmental organizations |
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| Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes | |
| Students must prepare for and successfully pass a tests (40%), successfully pass an independent works (20%), and pass within the time allotted exam (40%).
10% corresponds to one point on a 10-point study results assessment scale. |
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| Compulsory reading | |
| 1.Civil society in an age of uncertainty: institutions, governance and existential chalanges. (2024) Bristol, UK: Policy Press. 210 p.
2.Abels M.L. Policy making in the public interest. Text and workbook for local government. New York, London: Routledge, 2018. 122 p. 3.Civil society elites. Exploring the composition, reproduction, integration, and contestation of civil society actors at the top. (2024) Palgrave Macmillan. (ebook). Available: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/86893/978-3-031-40150-3.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 4.Anheier H. (eds.) (2004) Civil Society: Measurement, Evaluation, Policy. Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=1247fd52-a64c-3fc6-84ae-fecce558c1a3 |
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| Further reading | |
| 1.Resourceful civil society: Navigating the changing landscapes of civil society organizations. (2022) Palgrave Macmillan. (e book). Available: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/57030/978-3-030-99007-7.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
2.Lisi M., Gaio S. J. Campaigns without civil society? The involvement of organized interests in electoral politics. Journal of Civil Society, Dec2023 Vol. 19 Issue 4, p382-400. 19p Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=cb3b98bf-2848-3d2b-8e21-efcc98f84016 3.McNabb D.E. (2008) Research methods in public administration and nonprofit management: quantitative and qualitative approaches. - 2nd ed. New York: M.E.Sharpe. 458 p. |
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| Periodicals and other sources | |
| 1.Latvijas Pilsoniskās alianses iknedēļas elektroniskais ziņu izdevums "Nesēdi tumsā", Pieejams: www.nvo.lv
2.Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Pieejams: http://nvs.sagepub.com/ 3.Voluntas: Official Journal of International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations. Pieejams: https://www.springer.com/journal/11266 |
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| Notes | |
| Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration" | |