Global and transnational social work, 15 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Social Work Programme

Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires knowledge equivalent to at least 150 credits in social work or equivalent relevant discipline. Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6; internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (minimum scores: Paper based 575 + TWE-score 4.5, and internet based 90), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.5 and no band under 5.5), or equivalent.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should on an advanced level be able to:
- identify and evaluate social work responses to social problems, crises and situations of social vulnerability in a globalized world
- identify and critically reflect on theoretical, methodological and ethical problems in relation to global and transnational social work
- describe and explain different transnational patterns of living in different local and global contexts
- explain relevant law and legislations and relate them to global and transnational social work
- discuss, critically analyse and evaluate social development and humanitarian aid

Course content

In the course three aspects are focused on: Globalisation of social problems and solutions of social problems, Social work without borders and To live transnational lives,. Both individual and structural perspectives will be applied through examining different examples, such as in situations characterized by crisis and conflicts.
In the course different methods and ways of organizing social work in global contexts are also examined. .Social work as societal and welfare work, and various roles of social workers are highlighted. Within this framework, real projects where both formal and volunteers organizations are actors and partners, will be analysed. Further, theory building within global and transnational social work will be discussed. Special emphasis will be given to discussing ethical dilemmas, for example, contexts where authorities/social workers may be challenged in their national professional identity and capacity. International conventions on human rights and relevant EU – legislation will also be treated in the course.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching will be done in the forms of lectures, seminars and individual or group course assignments which may be both written and oral. Project work will be carried out in smaller groups. Apart from this the student will carry out self-studies. Teaching language is English.

Examination

The course is graded through completed course assignments, active participation in the seminars, a take home exam, and a project work. Detailed information is found in the Student Handbook.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department