SOS3120 Social problems, social policy and social work Course description

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.

Ira Malmberg-Heimonen and Hans Wiggo Kristiansen

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 the importance of social policy to social work practice
• has broad knowledge of social class, power and the living conditions of marginalised groups
• has broad knowledge of marginalisation processes, discrimination and racism
• has knowledge of migration in a global perspective and how migration affects people’s social and material living conditions
• has knowledge of how neoliberalism and globalisation affect the increased individualisation of social problems and problem-solving 

 Skills

The student

• can identify, obtain and assess information and knowledge that shed light on socio-political processes and effects
• can identify and analyse which understandings of social problems form the basis for socio-political interventions
• can critically reflect on concrete social problems and interventions based on social science theories, research and evaluations

General competence

The student

• has insight into power structures and the exercise of power in society
• has insight into how the norms, attitudes, values and theoretical basis of the welfare state affect how marginalised groups are perceived and understood

• has a critical understanding of how the socio-political norms set the agenda for the methods and models used in social work and how this may impact individuals

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus. Students will be taught key topics related to social policy and social work and participate in seminars in connection with the pre-determined topics in the course.

No coursework requirements or compulsory activites.

The exam in the course is an individual oral exam with a time frame of approximately 35 minutes per candidate. The time frame includes examination and assessment with an oral explanation.

No aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F. 

Oral exam is assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Carolina Ohls og Ivan Harsløf