EPN-V2

SFF4000 Social science theories for social work Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Samfunnsvitenskapelige teorier for sosialfag
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2026/2027
Course history
Curriculum
FALL 2026
Schedule
Programme description

  • Introduction

    The course is based on social theories that challenge the immediate and common ways of understanding human actions and social situations. The course focuses particularly on the 'person in the situation,' which is a central concept in social work theory. What does this complex sentence entail? How much free will does a person have? How significant is the structural context? What is meant by the term 'social'? The course reflects on these questions using many different social science theories. During the course, students will acquire knowledge and understanding of various contributions from classical and modern social science theory that are particularly relevant for understanding the placement of social work within a broader academic tradition.

    The language of instruction is Norwegian.

  • 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

    • detailed knowledge of various contributions to classical and modern social science theory
    • knowledge of how different theoretical perspectives provide different understandings of social phenomena
    • in-depth insight into theoretical concepts such as society, individual, power, and state

    Skills

    The student can

    • analyze and discuss social phenomena in light of social science concepts and theories
    • apply perspectives and theoretical concepts about society in their own academic work
    • use both primary and secondary literature within the subject

    General competence

    The student can

    • think critically about the knowledge that is produced
    • understand the role that different ideologies may have in specific fields of knowledge
    • recognize different social theories and understand how they problematize social phenomena in different ways

  • Teaching and learning methods

    The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus, and the format alternates between lectures and seminars. It is recommended that students participate in study groups.

  • Course requirements

    No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

  • Assessment

    The exam in the course is an individual supervised exam of 6 hours.

  • Permitted exam materials and equipment

    No aids are permitted.

  • Grading scale

    Graded scale A-F.

  • Examiners

    Internal and external examiners are used for the assessment of the answers. A sample of at least 25% of the answers is assessed by two examiners. The grades on these jointly assessed answers shall serve as the basis for determining the level of the remaining answers.

  • Course contact person

    Marit Haldar and Hans Wiggo Kristiansen