EPN-V2

SFV4900 Judgement, Power and Ethics in Social Work Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Dømmekraft, makt og etikk i sosialfaglig praksis
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2026/2027
Course history
Curriculum
FALL 2026
Schedule
Programme description

  • Introduction

    Through the concepts of judgement, power, and ethics, this course examines the exercise of professional discretion within specific practice situations. Power, understood both as communicative practice and as productive effect, is a central topic to explore in this course.

    Do professionals have room for manoeuvre that enables them to make sound discretionary decisions? In what ways do societal discourses, organisational logics, frameworks, and guidelines shape different practices? How should we understand the relationship between facts and values when making sound assessments and decisions? What shapes practice as it unfolds, and what determines our decisions when, as professionals, we are required to assess, decide, and act on behalf of a service?

    The course addresses the exercise of professional judgement and discretion in specific practice situations, with particular attention to the use of power and ethical practice. The relationship between professional identity and professional practice in client encounters will be central.

    Students are expected to reflect on their own practice experiences in light of theory through assignments and other learning activities.

    Language of instruction is English.

    The course will be offered provided that a sufficient number of students enrol.

  • 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

    • in‑depth knowledge of the concepts of judgement, power, and ethics
    • in‑depth knowledge of various ethical perspectives
    • in‑depth knowledge of different theoretical perspectives on power
    • in‑depth knowledge of systems theory
    • advanced knowledge of the significance of ethics and power in professional practice

    Skills

    The student can

    • analyse power as communication and as practice
    • analyse practice from a range of theoretical perspectives
    • analyse and critically discuss values and ethical challenges in social work practice
    • apply theoretical perspectives and concepts in analyses of social work practice
    • engage in thorough reflection on the exercise of professional discretion within welfare services
    • apply ethical knowledge in professional assessment and decision‑making processes

    General competence

    The student can

    • analyse, reflect upon, and critically evaluate their own professional practice in light of different theoretical perspectives
    • critically examine and question social work practice based on various epistemological perspectives
    • maintain and further develop their ethical competence within social work practice fields
    • contribute to innovation and new approaches aimed at advancing ethical competence in their workplace

  • Teaching and learning methods

    The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus, and the learning activities consist of a combination of lectures, group discussions, and plenary discussions.

  • Course requirements

    No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

  • Assessment

    The exam in the course is an individual home exam over a period of 72 hours. The exam paper must have a scope of 7 pages (+/- 10 percent). Font and font size: Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1,5.

  • Permitted exam materials and equipment

    All aids are permitted, as long as the student follows the rules for examinations, source use and referencing, and OsloMet's guidelines for using artificial intelligence (AI) in student assignments.

  • Grading scale

    Grade scale A-F.

  • Examiners

    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.

  • Course contact person

    Hilde A. Aamodt and Marianne Buen Sommerfeldt