The course is connected to the following study programs

  • Bachelor's Programme in Social Work
  • Bachelor's Programme in Sociology
  • Child Welfare, 5 year Master's Programme
  • Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
  • Sociology, 1-year programme

Teaching language

English

Course contents

Students are introduced to key topics related to the concept of welfare and understandings of welfare, the development of and characteristics of the welfare state, theories of social problems, class theory, gender perspective on the welfare state, welfare policy challenges and the role of users in the welfare sector.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, it is expected that the students have acquired the following knowledge and skills as well as general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, the students should have

  • basic knowledge of key welfare sociological and political topics and issues

  • knowledge of how social class, exclusion, marginalization and discrimination affect living conditions

  • broad knowledge of how social problems arise and develop in a societal context

  • knowledge of key problem areas such as unemployment, poverty, migration, family change, disabilities and other factors that can contribute to marginalization and exclusion

Skills

After completing the course, the student will

  • give an account of key topics and issues in sociology of welfare and welfare policy 

  • understand the new challenges to welfare states stemming from increased competition, migration and increasing inequality 

  • analyse and discuss the main principles of the Norwegian welfare regime and compare it to other European welfare models 

  • use sociological theories and concepts in critical analyses of challenges in welfare policy, and in discussions about possible solutions 

General competence

After completing the course, the student will

  • reflect upon the complexity of various social problems related to, for example, drug abuse, mental health issues and homelessness 

  • have insight into power structures and the exercise of power in society

  • have insight into political and administrative decision-making processes and how social workers can contribute to general information and political advice

  • have insight into conditions that contribute to inequality, and be able to promote social justice together with people in vulnerable positions

Examination requirements

For discipline students: group work must be passed in order to take the exam. Further information will be given in Canvas in the beginning of the semester.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of lectures as well as self-organised study groups. 

Study groups are optional, but we strongly recommend that you attend a study group. The lecturers will provide practical exercises for the study groups. All discipline students are expected to engage in an on-line discussion (“examination requirement”) while students in Child Welfare do a 2-week observation practice. This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is 270 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme coordinator decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.

Assessment methods and criteria

5-day individual home exam (in English or Norwegian), graded A-F.

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
SV-119 – Welfare Politics 10
SV-100 – Welfare Sociology, Welfare Administration and Social Policy 10
Last updated from FS (Common Student System) June 30, 2024 1:52:03 AM