SO-105 Social work and social problems

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Social Work

Course contents

The course will provide knowledge of the history and development of social work. In addition the course will give an introduction to how social problems arise and develop in a societal context, in which social class, exclusion and marginalization are important concepts.

The students will be introduced to the role of the social worker with a particular emphasis on the importance of communication and relationship-building in dealing with users. Students will learn about how they can make use of the theory and methods of social work in a professional capacity in cooperation with users, relatives and other partners.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course students are expected to have acquired the following knowledge and skills as well as general understanding:

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course students should have

• knowledge about social work’s principles and development over time.

• an understanding of how social problems arise and develop in a societal context.

• knowledge about the theory, methods and user satisfaction surveys of social work.

• a broad knowledge about communication, relationship, cooperation and guidance.

 

Skills

Upon completion of the course students should be able to

• apply knowledge about social problems to advance capability and change in cooperation with individuals, families, groups and external partners.

• apply knowledge about relationships and communication in guidance, to identify resources and give hope in cooperation with people in vulnerable life situations.

• apply relevant methods for the identification of problems, certification, analysis and decision-making.

• elate to people in a way which advances opportunities for user involvement.

• use digital equipment with confidence and be aware of their applications and limits within social work.

 

General understanding

Upon completion of the course students should have

• knowledge of some of the causes of inequality and be able to advance social justice in cooperation with people in vulnerable positions.

• knowledge about how one’s own values affect interaction with people in differing circumstances.

• knowledge of user involvement.

Teaching methods

Lectures and group work, seminars, mandatory teacher-led skills training. The expected workload totals about 540 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
SO-102 – Introduction to Social Work	10