SOS1180 Social work in the welfare society and placement training Course description

The course provides, through two modules, students with a fundamental understanding of the role of social work within the welfare state, combining theory and practice. The course focuses on knowledge, understanding and skills related to the connection between professional practice and welfare policy.

The module Social Work in the Welfare Society gives students basic knowledge of the Norwegian welfare system and different welfare models. Emphasis is placed on welfare policy objectives and instruments, as well as the interaction between the public, private and voluntary sectors. The module clarifies political and administrative frameworks and the significance of welfare policy for social work practice. Furthermore, it provides insight into societal structures that create social problems and undermine people’s living conditions, and what can counteract such structures. Social class, marginalisation and discrimination are central themes in this module.

In the second module, Practice Placement, students will participate in real professional situations within the field of social work. Social work is carried out in many arenas, and the practice placements are varied. Students are offered placements relevant to the purpose of the programme and the professional field of social workers. During practice, students train in interacting with individuals and groups who are in contact with social, health and welfare systems.

The language of instruction is Norwegian.

The student must have passed examinations equivalent to 20 credits from the autumn semester

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:

• is familiar with social science concepts and various welfare policy ideologies
• has knowledge of the main objectives and key instruments of welfare policy
• is familiar with the characteristics of the Norwegian welfare state in an international perspective
• has broad knowledge of how social problems are defined, constructed and develop within a societal context
• has knowledge of social problems relevant to the client groups at the practice placement
• is familiar with welfare policy instruments and legal frameworks related to the organisation and tasks of the practice placement
• is familiar with how social work is carried out at the practice placement
• is familiar with digital tools used at the practice placement
• can reflect on the risk of adverse events and how to manage conflicts

Skills

The student:

• can identify different positions in the welfare policy debate and reflect on possible consequences for individuals and society
• can apply knowledge of social problems and structural conditions when working with service users at the practice placement
• can assess the significance of social structures for people’s living conditions and apply critical reflection to practice
• can use methodological approaches relevant to the practice placement
• can apply communication skills when interacting with individuals

General Competence

The student:

• has insight into how welfare policy resources influence the practice of social work in encounters with service users at the placement
• has insight into factors contributing to social inequality and how power is exercised in interactions between the service provider and users
• is aware of their own preconceptions regarding social problems and situations
• can communicate and exchange views on social policy issues and reflect on their own attitudes and ethical considerations related to the values and practice of social work

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus, and alternates between lectures, seminars and student-active learning methods. Written assignments will be given.

During the practice period, the student is expected to follow the work routines and working hours of the placement site, while also having designated study days throughout the period. The student will receive weekly supervision and follow-up from the practice supervisor. Supervision may be provided both individually and in groups. A written assignment is required during the practice period, and will be reviewed and assessed by the designated academic supervisor

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

• Coursework Requirement 1: Work Placement

The student must complete a practice placement lasting approximately 8 weeks, including associated seminars. The practice supervisor will recommend whether the placement is approved or not approved. Final approval is granted by the programme. A minimum of 80% attendance at the placement site is required. Approval of the placement is regulated by the placement guidelines. Practice is a central part of the programme and is intended to support the integration of learning outcomes in knowledge, skills and general competence.

• Coursework Requirement 2: Attendance at Seminar Teaching

Compulsory participation in the preparatory seminar and the mid-term seminar, which together span 4 days, with a maximum absence of 1 day permitted. Absence beyond 1 day triggers a compensatory assignment. The scope of the compensatory assignment will increase in proportion to the extent of absence. Failure to submit the compensatory assignment results in loss of examination rights. The rationale for requiring active attendance is to ensure that the student is as well prepared as possible before the start of the practice period and able to reflect on their learning outcomes during practice.

• Coursework Requirement 3: Learning Contract

Submission of a learning contract prepared in collaboration with the practice supervisor. The scope of the learning contract will vary from student to student. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the learning contract supports and promotes the student’s learning outcomes during the practice period. If the learning contract is not approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit a revised version once within the specified deadline.

• Coursework Requirement 4: INTERACT - INTER1100

Submission of an individual log. Scope: 500 words (+/- 10%). The log presupposes participation in a two-day seminar.

Read more about INTERACT and INTER1100 here: https://www.oslomet.no/forskning/forskningsprosjekter/interact

All compulsory activities and coursework requirements must be completed and approved within the set deadline for the student to be eligible to sit the examination.

If the practice placement is not approved, the student must also have attendance at seminar teaching and the learning contract approved again, as these requirements are linked to the specific placement and practice period.

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

No aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F.

The grading of all examinations is carried out by both an internal and an external examiner

The course is equivalent to the courses SOS1130 Social Work in the Welfare Society and SOS1160 Practice Placement.