Platform of knowledge in social work and social pedagogy (MSO114)

The course will provide students with knowledge and skills in the fields of social work and social pedagogy. Social work and social pedagogy theories have been gathered and individually placed into a historical and social context.

Ethical challenges and theoretical perspectives related to power as a phenomenon will be emphasised, as well as relationships between power and empowerment/marginalisation. A key topic will be the relationship between the field of practice, the profession and research. The course will contribute to the development of both reflexive professional practice and reflexive research.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MSO114

Version

1

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 work and social pedagogy share the goal of challenging and combating social injustice, while helping people who are in vulnerable social positions. The historical origins of the two subjects are different. Social work started as practical philanthropy with a sociopolitical foundation. Good practice was later formulated in theory. Social pedagogy began as a theoretical discipline, where theoretical ideas were later put into practice.

The course is structured so that students will gain insight into both subjects during the first phase. Theoretical perspectives that are relevant to practice and research in the subjects will then be introduced. The final part will contribute to self-development related to one’s own academic standpoint and research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Students will have in-depth knowledge about:

  • The history, mandate, sources of knowledge, distinctive character and common features of the subjects
  • Theories, practices and ethics within social work and social pedagogy, as well as relevant issues.
  • Various forms of power and discrimination.
  • Relevant theoretical perspectives, research and development work within the subject areas.

Skills

Students:

  • Can analyse academic issues based on the subject area’s history, traditions, distinctive character and position in society.
  • Can analyse and reflect critically on different forms of power and discrimination.
  • Can find, evaluate and refer to relevant theory, practice and research within the subject areas.
  • Can reflect critically on their own knowledge and research approach.

General competance

Students:

  • Show insight into key professional and ethical issues.
  • Can, under supervision, plan and carry out work presentations alone and as a participant in a group.
  • Can produce written work in accordance with formal academic and scientific requirements

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

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

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 4000 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’s start-up phase.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

Attendance requirements, Oral presentation

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:

Gurli Olsen

Study Program Director:

Brita Gjerstad

Course coordinator:

Kristina Johansen

Method of work

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

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Social Work knowledge base (MSO112_1) 20
Social Pedagogy Knowledge Base (MSO113_1) 20

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto