SOS1170 Introduction to Social work Course description

This course provides students with knowledge of the professional tradition and knowledge base of social work, as well as an understanding of its organisation, role and mandate in society. Students are introduced to theories, perspectives and research in social work at the individual, group and community levels.

The course focuses on people’s everyday lives, living conditions and the social problems that affect their quality of life. Students gain insight into social work from a life-course perspective, covering different stages and transitions in life. The course highlights how everyday challenges and problems can be prevented, alleviated and managed.

Students learn how social workers can identify and support individuals’ coping strategies, motivate change and provide help and support in demanding life situations.

The language of instruction is Norwegian.

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 broad knowledge of social work theories and methods aimed at individuals, families, groups and society
• has broad knowledge of the significance of living conditions, health, education, work, social inclusion and active participation at different stages of life for individuals, families and society
• has knowledge of the history, traditions, distinctive characteristics and societal position of the discipline
• is familiar with the discipline’s theoretical knowledge base, knowledge development and the profession’s social responsibilities
• has knowledge of different forms of knowing, such as scientific theory, practical skills and values, and of the relationships between them

Skills

The student

• can use core professional terminology and theoretical approaches in social work, both in written and oral communication
• can recognise and analyse social problems at the individual and societal levels, including substance abuse and mental-health issues, and understand how these may affect people in different life situations
• can distinguish between different scientific and theoretical forms of knowledge, like theory, skills and values, and explain the relationships between them

Generel Competence

The student

• has insight into the relationship between societal change and the development of social work
• understands how knowledge, values and attitudes influence professional practice
• can share reflections on their own learning process and communicate knowledge about the connections between everyday social problems across different phases of life

Teaching takes place on campus and alternates between lectures and various student-centred activities, including peer assessment and seminar days devoted to oral presentations. Follow-up and supervision are provided during the course.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework Requirement 1: Written Group Assignment and Seminar Attendance

Written assignment. A group paper of 1 500 words (± 10 %). The group receives oral feedback before submission. The final version must be submitted before the group’s oral presentation. All group members must contribute equally. The purpose is to give students practice in academic writing.

Attendance. Mandatory participation in a two-day seminar, including the group’s own oral presentation and attendance at other groups’ presentations.

The written paper and the oral presentation are assessed together by the group’s lecturer. If either component is not approved, the group may submit a revised paper and give one additional oral presentation within the specified deadline. Active attendance at the seminar is required so that students present their work with their group and engage with the presentations of others.

All compulsory activities and coursework must be completed and approved by the set deadline for the student to be admitted to the examination.

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

No aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F.

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

The course is equivalent to the courses SOS1110 Introduction to social work and SOS1150 Social work - life course and everyday life.