Platform of knowledge in social work (MSO114)

The course will provide students with knowledge and skills in the fields of social work. Relevant theories are reviewed and placed in a historical and societal context. In particular, emphasis is placed on theoretical perspectives on power as a phenomenon and connections between power, powerlessness and empowerment. Connections between fields of practice, profession and research are also thematised. The course will contribute to strengthening the students' ability to reflect in social work practice and research.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MSO114

Version

2

Credits (ECTS)

20

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Social studies aims to challenge and combat social injustice, and at the same time help people who are in a vulnerable social position. The course starts with an introduction to the knowledge base in social work, with an emphasis on theoretical, practical and factual knowledge. The course also touches on social educational themes. Great emphasis is placed on selected relevant theoretical perspectives. Ethical challenges are highlighted. The students' experiences from the field of practice are actively used in teaching as a basis for reflection on the connections between theory and practice.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Students will have in-depth knowledge about:

  • The subject's history, mandate and sources of knowledge
  • Theories, practices and ethics within social work
  • Different forms of power and powerlessness
  • Recent research within the subject areas.

Skills

Students will be able to:

  • Formulate professional questions with relevance for social work practice and research

    Analyze and discuss professional issues combined with relevant theory, practice and research

    Reflect critically on various forms of power and powerlessness

    Reflect critically on own use of knowledge

General competance

Students can:

  • Show insight into key professional ethical issues.
  • Plan and carry out work presentations as a participant in a group.
  • Produce written work according to academic formal requirements

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Folder 1/1 Letter grades

The portfolio examination consists of 3 written assignments. The portfolio is to be submitted digitally at the end of the course.The portfolio must have a scope of 4500 words (+/-10%), excluding table of contents and bibliography. Referencing style: APA 7th. Further information about assignment texts, formal criteria and submission deadlines will be announced on Canvas during the course.Students who do not pass the ordinary examination can submit a revised version of the portfolio when taking a re-sit examination. Students who fail the re-sit or re-scheduled examination must take the course examination together with the subsequent year group, and follow the teaching and examination arrangements that apply to this year group.

Coursework requirements

Presentation, Attendance requirements

Compulsory activities must be approved in order for the student to take the examination. Further information about the compulsory activities will be announced on Canvas.

Approval/non-approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the examination. Students who lack approval of one or more compulsory activities will be withdrawn from the examination.

Attendance requirements: There is a 75% attendance requirement at the course’s portfolio seminars.

Oral presentation: Students give an oral presentation of their ongoing work in the examination portfolio.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Kristina Johansen

Method of work

The course is offered as an ordinary course involving lectures, discussions, group work and participant presentations.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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