EPN-V2

SFB4000 Theoretical Approaches to Family: The Knowledge Base for Therapautic Work Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Teoretiske perspektiver på familier. Kunnskapsgrunnlag for behandlingsarbeid
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
Master in Applied Social Sciences: Programme Option Family Therapy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Family Therapy, part time
Master in Programme Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2023/2024
Curriculum
FALL 2023
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

In this course, the students will acquire sound knowledge and an in-depth subject understanding of the interaction between society, family and the individual based on different theoretical perspectives. We deal with  understanding the family as a social system, as an institution, as a collection of individuals with individual rights, as functions, practice and display. The concept of family will be analysed as situated in time and space, i.e. normative knowledge about families will be viewed in a historical and cultural context, where the Norwegian Welfare state is the most central context.

Language of instruction is Norwegian. Some lectures may be given in English. 

Recommended preliminary courses

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 basic economic theories explaining the behaviors of consumers and firms
  • the market structure
  • the economics of information
  • game theory in analyzing strategic behaviour
  • the applications of behavioral economics

Skills

The student can

  • use economic concepts to explain consumer and firm behaviour
  • use economic reasoning to discuss economic policies
  • formulate and analyze strategic interactions

General competence

The student can

  • develop insights to critically address economic issues
  • engage in analytical discussions of economic policies

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

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 historical changes in the western family
  • in-depth knowledge of the welfare state and the family
  • in-depth knowledge of parenting and childhood, and how gender, class and ethnicity influence the understanding of children, parents and family
  • knowledge of how living conditions influence the everyday life of children and families

Skills

The student is capable of

  • reflecting on normative aspects of the family therapy field
  • analysing families from different perspectives
  • analysing children and parents from different perspectives
  • apply different theoretical approaches to illuminate the complexity of the family therapy field
  • linking theoretical knowledge to different clinical training situations

Competence

The student is capable of

  • analysing family-related phenomena from different perspectives
  • considering ethics when research is disseminated and applied in clinical therapy 

Teaching and learning methods

The course is divided into sections with a selections of corresponding themes in each section. Information about the themes and corresponding syllabus, will be posted on Canvas in due time before the course begins. We encourage students to form study groups to prepare for their active participation in classroom discussions. These discussions will serve as a practice in applying theory on empirical examples. 

Course requirements

None.

Assessment

The exam in the course is an individual home exam over a period of seven days. The exam paper must have a scope of 9 pages (+/- 10 per cent). Font and font size: Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F. 

Examiners

The course is an intermediate course in Microeconomics built on the introductory course in Microeconomics 1. The course takes an analytical approach to study microeconomics. It intends to develop rigorous, logical reasoning to understand economic concepts. While a majority of the economic theories are treated verbally and graphically, simple models based on elementary calculus are also introduced to examine certain economic issues in detail. Topics include pricing analyses of competitive and non-competitive markets, market power, game theory and its application in analyzing imperfect competition and information problems, and market failure.

Language of instruction is English.

Course contact person

None