SOSV3220 Social Work in a Global Context Emneplan

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the historical and contemporary context in which social work has been developed and is practised. The course will critically consider the Western, power-based knowledge and theoretical perspectives that inform and are reinforced in social work, and the influence this has globally. This will be considered through focus on decolonial history, intersectional perspectives and globalisation processes.

The course will also focus on how social work has been developed within specific contexts of practice. We will demonstrate how theory is connected to practice within social work. We use a case-based approach in which we explore social work, as practised in Norway and other countries, to demonstrate the importance of contextualisation as a framework for understanding social work theories and practice. Through an investigation of cases, we will also explore the ways in which practice reaffirms certain theories as ‘normal’ and ‘natural’.

Language of instruction is English.

The exam in the course is a master's thesis.

The master's thesis is an independent project carried out in groups of two to three students. Students with compelling reasons, for example illness or the need to work individually on one's own business idea, may apply to write individually. Work alongside studies or place of residence is not considered a valid reason for completing the master's thesis individually. Students receive individual and/or group-based supervision for approximately ten hours. This supervision helps ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge, provides essential quality assurance in the collection and processing of data, and ensures that these activities are conducted in accordance with research ethics guidelines.

The scope of a master's thesis is expected to be between 80-100 pages. For students who have been granted permission to write an individual thesis, the expected thesis is between 60-80 pages. The thesis must be written in Arial or Calibri, 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5. All references must follow APA guidelines. The scope is discussed and agreed in more detail with the supervisor. For theses with a large quantitative analysis component, the number of pages may be less important.

Students are allowed to submit a new or revised master’s thesis once if they are awarded a fail grade. Students who fail the ordinary exam may be given one hour of academic supervision subject to agreement with the supervisor.

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

Grade scale A - F

All thesis are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

The exam in the course is an individual written paper with self-selected topic. The paper can be written in either English or Norwegian. The student works on the paper throughout the course. The exam paper must have a scope of 8-10 pages, not including references. Approved APA referencing style for assignment writing must be followed. Font and font size: Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

A selection of self-chosen readings, which comprises of 100 pages must be attached in the assignment.

If the exam is not passed, the student will have one opportunity to submit a revised version of the assignment for grading.

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

Grade scale A-F.

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

Erika Gubrium and Ariana Guilherme Fernandes