SOS1130 Social work in the welfare society Course description

This course gives the student basic knowledge about the Norwegian welfare society and different welfare models. Emphasis is placed on welfare policy goals and policy instruments, and the interaction between the public, private and voluntary sector. The course will clarify political and administrative framework conditions, as well as the importance of welfare policy to social work practice.

Students also learn about social structures that create social problems and negatively affect people’s living conditions and about what can counter such structures. Social class, marginalisation and discrimination are key topics in the course.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of the main objectives of welfare policy and knows the most important policy instruments in the Norwegian welfare policy
• has knowledge of the ideologies of different welfare policies and what characterises the Norwegian welfare state from an international perspective
• has knowledge of how welfare policy resources are structured socially 
• has knowledge of social workers’ role in the welfare system 
• has knowledge of important welfare policy and social science terms and concepts
• has knowledge of marginalisation and exclusion mechanisms that impact people’s living conditions 

Skills 

The student:

• can use social science theories as an aid to understanding social problems
• can consider the importance of social structures to living conditions, social problems and social inequality
• can recognise different positions in social policy debate and reflect on the potential consequences for the individual and society at large 
• can analyse how key aspects of living conditions such as health, education and work impact human welfare

General competence 

The student:

• has insight into how the distribution of welfare policy resources impacts the performance of social work
• has insight into factors that contribute to social inequality
• has insight into the framework conditions for social work that promote social justice and active participation
• can communicate and exchange their points of view on social policy issues

Teaching methods vary between lectures and student-active learning methods. Written exercise assignments will be given.

No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

Individual five-hour written exam. Candidates who fail or who were absent from the ordinary exam for a valid reason can take a resit/rescheduled exam.

No aids are permitted. 

Grade scale A-F.

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner. At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Ivan Harsløf and Therese Saltkjel