SOS1150 Social work - life course and everyday life Course description

This course focuses on people’s everyday life, living conditions and social challenges that impact their quality of life. The students will learn about social work relating to different phases of and transitions in life. The course sheds light on how the challenges and problems of everyday life can be prevented, remedied and coped with. It also takes on a critical perspective on norms and the concept of normality. Students will learn about how social workers can identify and support individuals’ coping strategies, motivate change and provide help and support in demanding life situations.

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 science theories on how to understand human development from childhood to old age 
• knowledge of how social challenges interact and affect the individual’s quality of life in different phases of and transitions in life 
• knowledge of how social structures and social conditions impact the conditions for upbringing and living conditions in general
• knowledge of protection and risk factors as a basis for implementing preventive measures against marginalisation and exclusion in different arenas 

Skills

The student can

• identify, prevent and remedy social challenges relating to different phases of life
• identify and assess resources in the life situations of different groups of people and help to strengthen people’s coping strategies in demanding life situations

General competence

The student:

• can disseminate knowledge of the link between different everyday social problems in different phases of life 
• has insight into how marginalisation and discrimination affect people’s social life and health

Teaching methods vary between lectures and student-active learning methods. Digital learning methods are included in teaching. Self-study is required between each teaching session in the course.  

No coursework requirements/compulsory activities.

An individual written home exam over 48 hours. The answer paper should be 7-9 pages long. Font and font size: Calibri 12-point. Line spacing 1.5. The approved citation style APA for assignments must be complied with.

Candidates who fail or who were absent from the ordinary exam for a valid reason can take a resit/rescheduled exam.

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

Grade scale A-F.

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