Social work as a Discipline and Profession

This course introduces the students to the work tasks, client groups, and central issues of social work. The students will also be introduced to how theoretical and experience-based knowledge may be integrated. The course focuses on the development of social work, the social worker´s role in the society and social work´s ethical value basis. Students learn that social problems and social work are situated at the intersection between individual and society, both globally and locally.

Knowledge - the student has knowledge of:

• social work`s history, traditions, its` distinctive character and position in society.
• human rights and central conventions, minorities and knowledge about Sami rights and their status as indigenous people.
• challenges related to inclusion, gender equality and non-discrimination irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion and beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age, so that the candidate can help ensure equal services for all groups in society.
• of social problems and the target groups and service areas in which social work is practiced.
• basic knowledge of social work theory and methods related to individuals, groups and community.
• of theories on communication, relations and experiences with collaboration and supervision.
• how social workers may work with economic problems and how economic problems affect users of social services

Skills - the student is able to:

• identify and reflect on key dilemmas such as help and control, in social work professional action and situations in which the ethical values of the profession are contested.
• identify relationships between individuals and societal conditions.
• recognize how power structures and other societal conditions affect peoples´ lives. Critically reflect on own experiences, knowledges, one`s own role and preconceptions in encounters with people.
• develop collaborative skills through participations in groups.
• apply basic communication skills relevant in social work practice
• find, evaluate and refer to relevant information and subject matter, orally and in writing.
• employ professional knowledge to identify resources and thereby stimulate hope in collaboration with people in vulnerable situations.

General competence - the student:

• has insight into social work`s perspective on human life and social work values, professional ethics and relevant ethical dilemmas.
• knows about and respects individuals´ different starting points and vulnerabilities, values and ways of living.
• has insight into digital communication in professional practice.

Lectures, seminars, field studies, skills training and work in groups. Parts of the course may be given in English.