Basic eligibility, in addition special permission equivalent of English 6 in Swedish secondary school and 30 credits in Social Sciences.

The aim of the course is that the student develops knowledge and understanding in relation to social policy, social problems and living conditions from a multicultural perspective in relation to social work in a local and global context.

The course is carried out in two parts based on the following components: 1) Social policy and comparative welfare models and 2) Preventive social work and interventions from a comparative and local perspective.

Part 1 deals with social policy and the organisation of social work in different domains from a comparative perspective. The practice of social work in an international environment is discussed. It also focuses on the knowledge of different welfare systems in terms of social policy and social work. Different themes are discussed: children and family, ageing, migration, addiction, mental health, profession and education.

Part 2 covers both preventive social work and social interventions for target groups at national and local level in a Swedish context. Prevention and intervention in social work focus on the community, group and individual level and from a diversity and life course perspective. Field studies and practical social work are given special attention. Part 2 discusses interprofessional collaboration and comparative methodology as well as relationship-based social work.

In addition, students are encouraged to reflect on their professional identity throughout the course. The students are expected to critically reflect, analyse and discuss different aspects of social work both in the international and the Swedish welfare context.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

1. describe and analyse social policy and social work practice in local and global contexts,

2. analyse social problems and identify socially vulnerable groups and environments and reflect on the importance of the welfare system for people,

3. describe and problematize social work practice, and

4. critically reflect on professional identity and critically analyse social work methods.

The working models consist of individual studies, seminars, lectures and practical methodological exercises.

Learning outcomes 1 and 2 are trained by the students working individually and in groups with questions raised in the lectures related to literature, laws, regulations and conventions. The course participants will also discuss questions they ask themselves and are trained to critically analyse these. Learning outcome 3 is supported by mandatory group discussions, linked to cases where students have to demonstrate how their own views and values affect social work. Learning outcome 4 is supported by specific tasks to enhance reflective learning skills. In addition, students achieve all learning outcomes through practical methodological exercises.

Learning outcomes 1-4 are examined through two individual written assignments. The focus of the assessment is on the students' ability to describe and analyse social policy and social work practice in local and global contexts. In addition, focus is addressed to enhance students’ ability to describe and problematize professional identity and critically analyse social work methods is assessed.

Knowledge assessed in the written examination assignments is developed by the students through active learning exercises.

Specific criteria of assessment will be presented in the study guide.

Any absence in compulsory parts shall, at the discretion of the examiner, be compensated by an individual written assignment unless a new occasion for a follow-

up seminar can be offered during term-time.

In order to achieve a passing grade on the course, the grade of Pass is required for each examination and that compulsory parts are fulfilled. In addition, for the award of the Pass with Distinction grade for the course the grade Pass with Distinction is required for each examination.

Students who fail the exam are given the opportunity to do two re-takes with the

same course content and with the same requirements. The student also has the

right to take the examination in the same course in the subsequent courses according to the same rule. Examination and re-takes are carried out at the times specified in the course schedule.

Alcock P, Craig G, (2009) International Social Policy: Welfare Regimes in the Developing World. London: Palgrave Macmillan. 320 p.

Bettmann J, Jacques G, Frost C, (2012) International Social Work Practice: Case Studies from a Global Context Paperback. Oxford: Routledge. 288 p.

Greene L, Clark K, (2016) Social Policy for Social Work - A Critical Introduction to Key Themes and Issues. Cambridge: Polity Press. 240 p.

Howe D, (2008) The Emotionally Intelligent Social Worker. London: Bloomsbury Academic. 208 p.

Sicora A, (2017) Reflective Practice and Learning from Mistakes in Social Work. Bristol: Bristol University Press and Policy. 232 p.

Scientific papers est. approx. 400 pages to be added.

Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

If a course is no longer offered, or has undergone significant changes, the students must be offered two opportunities for re-examination based on the syllabus that applied at the time of registration, for a period of one year after the changes have been implemented.

If a student has a Learning support decision, the examiner has the right to provide the student with an adapted test, or to allow the student to take the exam in a different format. The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.