The course aims to develop the students´ knowledge and understanding in relation to social policy, welfare systems and social problems and living conditions from a multicultural perspective.

The course 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 course is discussed through different themes; children and family, ageing, migration and drug addiction, profession and education. Furthermore, the course 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.

After completion of the course students 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.

The knowledge is developed individually, mainly by lectures, reading lists, 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.

The learning outcome 1 and 4 is assessed through an individual written in-depth assignment. Learning outcomes 2 and 3 is assessed individually through active participation in the oral presentation of the group work. The focus of the written assessment is based on 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 compulsory parts can, at the discretion of the examiner, be compensated by an individual written assignment. In order to achieve a passing grade on the course in its entirety, the grade of Pass is required for each examination. For the award of the Pass with Distinction grade for the course in its entirety, the grade of Pass with Distinction is required for all examinations.

Student who fail the exam, are given the opportunity for two retakes with the same course content and with the same requirements. The student also has the right to take the exam on the same course in the subsequent courses under the same rule. Examination and re-examination carried out at the times is specified in the 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.

Scientific papers, case studies and input to be added est. around 300 p.

The teacher/examiner is responsible for a formative and a summative evaluation, conducted after the course completion, and that the results of the course evaluation transfer feedback to students. Notes from the feedback of amendments is drawn up and made available in a specified place, as well as feedback to students commencing a module in the next course.

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.