SOS1110 Introduction to social work Course description

In this course, students will acquire knowledge about the tradition and knowledge base of social work, and gain an understanding of the organisation of social work and its place and mandate in society. Students will be introduced to theories, perspectives and research in social work at the individual, group and societal level. In this first course, the main focus will be on individual social work. 

The course is taught in parallel with SOS1120 Professional interaction in social work. 

Students are recommended to have read the Code of Ethics for social work. 

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 social work as a profession and an academic discipline 

• is familiar with the tradition of social work as a means to address social problems 
• has knowledge of different types of knowledge such as (theory of) science, skills and values, and the links between them
• has knowledge of the interaction between individuals, groups and society
• is familiar with the different positions in theory of science and views of knowledge in social work 

Skills

The student:

• can apply basic specialist terminology and theoretical approaches to social work both in writing and orally 
• can recognise and analyse descriptions of social problems at the individual and societal level 
• can reflect on how social problems interact and impact different levels of social work and how they affect people in different life situations

General competence

The student:

• has insight into the connection between societal changes and the development of social work
• has insight into how values and attitudes affect professional practice 

• has insight into the relationship between professional engagement and analytical distance in social work 
• can exchange experience relating to their own learning process 

The teaching methods will alternate between lectures and various student-active forms of learning. The required assignment includes a written reflection note, peer assessment, group work and seminar days for oral presentations.

In order for the student to take the exam: the student must have the following work requirements approved:

1. One written work requirement in group, of 1500 words in scope (+/- 10%). Oral feedback is offered to the group before final submission. The final group assignment must be submitted before the groups present their assignments orally. The students are obliged to participate with equal contributions.

2. Compulsory attendance at a two-day seminar with oral presentation of own group assignment and attendance at other groups' presentations.

The written assignment and the oral presentation are assessed together by the group's teacher. If the work requirement is not approved, the group is given the opportunity to deliver an improved version of the assignment and give an oral presentation once within the specified deadline.

An 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. 

All exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Siri Fjeldheim and Jorunn Vindegg