SOS1120 Professional interaction in social work Course description

In this course, the students develop an understanding of how the performance of social work is rooted in the profession’s theoretical foundation. The course provides knowledge about different factors that can affect relationships and professional cooperation with other people. 

Through skills training in groups, the students will learn about what it means to practise social work. Together with their group, they will practise developing their professional expertise. This takes place through group work, role play and the use of cases that concern interacting with people in difficult life situations. The students are also trained in handling their own emotions when working with people in difficult life situations.

The course comprises the first of two levels of skills training.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

Grade scale A-F.

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 work and change processes in social work
• has knowledge of communication and interaction with people at the individual level
• has knowledge of power structures that affect their relationships with users 
• has knowledge of how digitalisation of the welfare services affects communication with users and partners 

• is familiar with the importance of understanding oneself and having empathy with others 

Skills

The student

• can use communication and interaction skills in their professional work with individuals 

• can reflect on the importance of language, including the use of interpreters, in meetings with users 
• can reflect on how power affects the relationship with users, their social and material living conditions and the freedom of action for change work 
• can reflect on the importance of group processes through participating in group work
• can receive and give constructive feedback 

General competence

The student

• can be emphatic and attentive when encountering the feelings and experience of others 
• can reflect on their own values and attitudes in their professional practice
• has insight into the exercise of professional judgement 

• has insight into the importance of digital communication in professional practice and interaction 
• can disseminate research-based knowledge of professional interaction both orally and in writing

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.

Stine Harstad

The exam in the course is an oral exam in groups with a time frame of approximately 50 minutes, where the students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills relating to professional interaction. Each exam group consists of 4–6 students.The groups will be given a case for preparation 48 hours before the first day of the exam. During the examination, students will meet people (actors) with different challenges in a fictitious situation. The time frame includes examination and assessment with an oral explanation.

No aids are permitted.

Pass/fail.

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

Berit Bergheim and Stine Harstad