SOS2170 Knowledge and knowledge development in social work Course description

The course builds on key themes from the course Introduction to Social Work and provides in-depth knowledge of how social problems in interaction with various social conditions affect the life situation of individuals, families and groups. Students gain in-depth knowledge of social work theories and key theoretical perspectives and issues.

Through project work, students will acquire knowledge about research and development work relevant to social work and gain insights into research methods in the social sciences, including their potential and limitations.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

The student must have completed and passed the first year of the Bachelor`s Programme in Social Work.

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 different views of knowledge and knowledge development in social work
• broad knowledge of social work theory and methods that focus on families, groups and society
• insight into socio-cultural and structural conditions that affect family life
• knowledge of ethical dilemmas related to working with children and families
• is familiar with local community work and political advocacy
• broad knowledge of the relationship between scientific theory, theory and research methods
• knowledge of social science methods and their possibilities and limitations
• knowledge of Sámi children's rights as indigenous people to grow up with Sámi language and culture
• knowledge of how marginalization and discrimination affect people's social lives and health, including the rights of minorities and the Sámi's special status as an indigenous people

Skills

The student

• is able to reflect on the relationship between theory and practice in knowledge development
• isable to apply theory in the analysis of social problems with children and families at different levels and can apply knowledge of social work's social mandate in writing and orally
• can collect, assess, and summarize relevant research and professional development work, both nationally and internationally, within a self-chosen topic in social work, and present this both orally and in writing.
• can carry out a limited study with data collection and analysis and reflect on the possibilities and limitations of different research methods
• can apply knowledge in the planning of measures to prevent and deal with social problems, with a focus on children and families in difficult life situations
• can reflect on innovative solutions for residents in a local community, based on the participation of the population

General competence

The student

• can critically reflect on social work knowledge, values, attitudes, and power perspectives in professional practice, and has insight into professional and research ethics considerations in the context of knowledge development
• can develop academic work and present professional knowledge both orally and in writing
• can reflect on how research and development work can contribute to new thinking and innovation in the services

Teaching takes place in person on campus and alternates between lectures, seminars, digital learning resources and student-active learning methods. Emphasis is placed on the students' active participation, and project work as a method is used to illuminate and explore a topic. Follow-up and guidance are provided throughout the process.

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

• Coursework 1: Mandatory participation in seminars and project group

80% participation in seminars and project groups is required. The project group decides how participation in the group work will be registered and documented. In the event of absence of more than 20%, and no more than 40%, a written work requirement will be given. The work requirement must be completed and approved by the set deadline. Absence above 40% will result in loss of examination rights. The reason for the attendance requirement is that the student must participate in order to complete and submit the project assignment.

• Coursework 2: Written submission of the project assignment prepared by the project group

Students are required to contribute equally to the project work. The paper must have a scope of 8-10 pages. Font and font size: Arial / Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1,5. The approved reference style APA for thesis writing must be followed. The project assignment must be completed and approved by the set deadline in order for the student to be eligible to sit for the exam. If the assignment is not approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version once, by the specified deadline. The purpose of the project assignment is to present and analyze the findings from the collected data in line with the intended learning outcomes.

Manatory activities and required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to be eligible to sit for the exam.

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.

All the students are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Håvard Aaslund and Susana Vilhena

The course is equivalent to the courses SOS2110 Social work with children, youth, families and groups and SOS2160 Knowledge development in social work.