SO-106 Diversity and minority perspectives in social work

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Social Work

Course contents

The course offers an introduction to diversity, inequality and power in Norway today. The course provides introductory knowledge about human diversity in Norwegian society, as well as an introduction to relevant national and international laws and conventions. Students will learn about the heavy-handedness and social problems which minorities and disadvantaged/excluded groups often experience. Attention is drawn to the factors class, gender, ethnicity or race, age, disability, migration status, faith or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The course allows discussion of what contributes to an equal service for all sections of the population and how power disparities between such groups may be reduced.

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 diversity in Norwegian society.

• knowledge about human rights and important conventions as well as equal opportunities and anti-discrimination legislation.

• knowledge about social problems and the heavy-handedness which various disadvantaged/excluded groups often experience.

• knowledge about inclusion, equal opportunities and non-discrimination related to factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, migration status, faith or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

• knowledge about the rights of the Sami and their status as indigenous people, as well as children’s rights as indigenous people to grow up with Sami language and culture.

 

Skills

Upon completion of the course students should

• be able to reflect on and apply knowledge which contributes to an equal service for all users.

• be able to reflect on and apply knowledge which contributes to reduce power disparities between different sections of the population.

 

General understanding

Upon completion of the course students should

• be able to pass on factual knowledge which advances equality and diversity and which contributes to reduce power disparities between different sections of the population.

• be able to contribute to the development of best practice.

Examination requirements

Pass assignments during the year. Attend mandatory skills training. Further information on assignments will be given on Canvas at the beginning of the semester.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, mandatory teacher-led skills training in groups. The expected workload totals about 270 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.

Assessment methods and criteria

A 5-hour individual exam with graded assessment.