Course syllabus autumn 2022
Course syllabus autumn 2022
Title
Social Work in a Local and Global Context - Continuation Course
Swedish title
Socialt arbete i lokal och global miljö - fortsättningskurs
Course code
HS165E
Credits
30 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Health and Society
Syllabus approval date
2021-09-15
Syllabus valid from
2022-08-29
Entry requirements
Basic eligibility, special permission equivalent of English 6 in Swedish secondary school, 30 credits in in Social Sciences.
Level
Basic level
Main field
Social Work
Progression level
G1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
Independent course in the main field of social work at level 31-60 credits, can be included in the degree requirements for a Bachelor's degree in social work.
Course objectives
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.
Course contents
The course consists of three modules.
Modules
1. Social Policy and Comparative welfare models, 10 credits
Module contents
The module deals with social policy and social work organization in different situations on the basis of a comparative perspective. The practice of social work in an international environment is discussed. Moreover, it focuses knowledge of various welfare systems in terms of social policy and social work. The module is discussed through different themes; children and family, ageing, migration and drug addiction, profession and education. Furthermore, the module helps to develop the student reflections based on their professional identity. Students are expected to reflect critically, analyze and discuss different aspects of the welfare system, such as social policy, organization, challenges and social work in a Swedish and/or other welfare context.
Module learning outcomes
After completion of the module the student should be able to:
1. describe and analyze social policies in local and global context
2. analyze social problems and identify vulnerable groups and environments, and reflect on the meaning of welfare system for people
3. describe and problematize the social systems in which social work operates, and
4. critically reflect on and analyze the different models of welfare and its importance for practical social work.
Module learning activities
The knowledge is developed individually, mainly by lectures, self-study of course literature, discussion of cases, as well as by individual and group writing assignments. The student shall individually and in groups plan and carry out their studies. The student is supervised through practical method exercises and the writing process. Learning outcomes 1 and 2 are trained by students individually and in groups working on issues raised in the lectures related to literature, laws, regulations and conventions. Course participants will also discuss issues that they themselves set and train to critically examine these. Learning outcome 3 is supported by mandatory group discussions, linked to the case where the student must demonstrate how their own standpoint and values influence social work. Learning outcome 1 and 4 is supported by a chosen theme implemented as a individual written in-depth work, which the student reflect on and analyze out of different models of welfare and its importance for practical social work.
Module assessment
The learning outcomes 1 and 4 are assessed through an individual written examination. Learning outcomes 2 and 3 are assessed individually through active participation in the oral presentation of the group work. Focus of the assessment of the written examination is based on the ability to problematize and analyze comparative social policy.The focus in the oral assessment is based on the ability to argue and justify choices made and to reflect on these choices and the social policy implementation and its consequences in social work. Specific evaluation criteria are presented in the study guide. Any absence in mandatory parts shall, at the discretion of the examiner, be compensated by an individual written assignment. In order to achieve a passing grade on the module in its entirety, the grade of Pass is required for each examination. For the award of the Pass with Distinction grade for the module in its entirety, the grade of Pass with Distinction is required for all examinations.
2. Preventive Social Work and Interventions, 10 credits
Module contents
Module 2 covers both preventive social work and social interventions for target groups based on the content of the module 1. Prevention and intervention in social work focus the social, group and individual levels and from a diversity and life-course perspective, based out of four different themes; children and family, ageing, migration and abuse. Field studies and the practical social work are given special attention. In the module inter-professional collaboration and comparison method are discussed as well as relationship-based social work. In addition, the user's participation and influence is problematized.
Module learning outcomes
After completion of the module the student should be able to:
1. analyse the preventive efforts in society, groups and individuals
2. describe and analyse preventions and interventions in social work based on methods and its theoretical foundations
3. critically reflect on evidence-based social work, and
4. describe and analyse the social work practice in local and global environment.
Module learning activities
The knowledge is developed individually, mainly by lectures, self-study of course literature, discussion of cases, as well as by individual and group writing assignments. The student should individually and in groups plan and carry out their studies. The student is supervised through practical method exercises and the writing process. Learning outcomes 1 and 2 are trained by students individually and in groups working on issues raised in the lectures related to literature, laws, regulations and conventions. Course participants will also discuss issues of their sets and train to critically examine these. The student should additionally carry out an individual written reflection task regarding learning outcomes 1 and 2. Learning outcome 3 is supported by mandatory group discussions, linked to a case where the student must demonstrate how their own standpoint and values influence social work. Learning outcome 4 is supported by a chosen theme implemented as a written in-depth work, which students reflect on and analyse the practical social work out of the local context.
Module assessment
Learning outcomes 1 and 4 are assessed through individual written assignments focusing social work prevention and intervention. Learning outcomes 2 and 3 are assessed individually through practical application data in the form of group exercises and presentations in seminars in which the student must demonstrate an understanding of and critically examine how different methods in intervention and prevention shall be applied in social work focusing defined target groups. The focus of the in-depth task lies in the ability to problematize and analyze the work of social work. The focus of the oral presentation lies in arguing and motivating chosen choices at work as well as reflecting on these choices and the application of social work and its consequences in social work. Specific evaluation criteria are presented in the study guide. Any absence in mandatory parts shall at the discretion of the examiner, be compensated by an individual written assignment. In order to achieve a passing grade on the module in its entirety, the grade of Pass is required for each examination. For the award of the Pass with Distinction grade for the module in its entirety, the grade of Pass with Distinction is required for all examinations.
3. Research Methodology, 10 credits
Module contents
Module 3 treat concept within research problem, aim and questions as well as the choice of method and materials based on the selected theme in social work. A coherent scientific text with links to relevant research and theory designed are problematized. Data collection and analysis are discussed and scientific works are examined. The module also discusses and analyse experiences of importance for the professional development and the future professional role.
Module learning outcomes
After completion of the module the student should be able to:
1. justify the choice of methods and reflect on methodological issues in scientific studies and in-depth research questions
2. review, analyse and reflect on social work practice
3. present a study out of a coherent academic text in social work and
4. oppose on another student text.
Module learning activities
The knowledge is developed individually, mainly by lectures, seminars, discussions and individual written advanced assignment in the form of processing of the scientific article. Students choose a direction for a more detailed work and which forms of work aims to support the different stages of the research process required to carry out a scientific study. The student will individually plan and carry out their studies. Learning outcome 1 is trained by the students individually and in groups by working with the issues raised in the lectures related to the literature and case report with a focus on research-based texts. Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4 are trained by students choosing a focus for a more detailed work, which forms of work aims to support the different stages of the research process required to present a scientific text. The student is supervised through practical method exercises and the writing process. The final seminar, when the scientific text presented and analysed, is implemented by specific instructions in the group.
Right to resit
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 course according to the same rule. Examination and re-takes are carried out at the times specified in the course schedule.
Module assessment
The module is assessed individually in learning outcome 1 through group discussions. Learning outcomes 2 and 3 are assessed by a written advanced assignment in the form of a scientific article. Learning outcome 4 is assessed through a peer assessment where students give comments on another student's text. The focus of the assessment is based on the ability to argue and justify choices made in a scientific text based on the requirements of specific criteria, which are presented in the study guide. Any absence in mandatory parts shall at the discretion of the examiner, be compensated by individual written assignment. In order to achieve a passing grade on the module, the grade of Pass is required for each examination. For the award of the Pass with Distinction grade for the module in its entirety, the grade of Pass with Distinction is required for the scientific text. In order to achieve a passing grade on the course in its entirety, the grade of Pass is required for all modules. In order to achieve Pass with Distinction in its entirety, Pass with Distinction in two out of three modules is required.
Course literature
1. Social Policy and Comparative welfare models, 10 credits
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.
2. Preventive Social Work and Interventions, 10 credits
Barianaga E, (2014) Social Entrepreneurship – Cases and Concepts. Lund: Studentlitteratur 201 p.
Munro E, (2008) Effective Child protection, 2 ed. London, Sage publications 192 p.
Twelvetrees A, (2002) Community Work. New York, Palgrave Macmillan 210 p.
3. Research Methodology, 10 credits
Cruz D, Jones H, (2013) Social work research in practice. London, Sage publications 224 p.
Webber M, (2014). Applying Research Evidence in Social Work Practice – Challenges and Opportunities. London, Palgrave MacMillan 288 p.
Scientific papers, case studies and input to be added est. around 200 p.
Course evaluation
The course coordinator is responsible for conducting a summative evaluation after each module and give feedback to the students at the beginning of the next module/course (enter whichever is applicable). Notes from the feedback are made available to the course's students and feedback is given to the students who will start the course in the next course session. This does not prevent one from alternatively carrying out an evaluation of the course in its entirety. If it is 10 credits or more, however, a formative course evaluation (temperature taking) shall be done after half the course is finished.
Interim rules
If a course has ceased to be or has undergone major changes, the students in a year after the change has occurred, is offered two opportunities for retesting based on the syllabus in force at registration.