Project in social work

The first part of the course deals with social science methodology and project-based learning. Then the students will start a concrete project work in which they will acquire knowledge of a self-chosen topic that is relevant for the pursuit of social work (individual, group and social level), both in Norway and abroad. In the project work, students will learn to work independently in project-oriented learning groups. Students will complete a project work by obtaining knowledge / data / information. The results are presented in a project report, possibly combined with other specific products. The project reports are finally presented in a seminar at the university.

Knowledge
The students have
- knowledge of self-chosen topics related to the pursuit of social work
- knowledge of social science methodology
- knowledge of planning and implementation of projects in groups
- knowledge of the importance of political, economic, structural and cultural factors for social work and social problems

Skills
The student can
- Work in a group and take responsibility for group processes
- obtain and process information / data
- write project report and convey the results of the work
- Reflect critically on their own role in groups and in the face of different contexts

General competence
The students can
- systematically work on developing issues / questions related to a self-chosen topic
Establish contact and cooperation with Norwegian or international partner
- Take responsibility for cooperation and promote conflict resolution in group processes

he project work takes place in groups. Project groups going abroad must start preparations already before the course starts. It will usually be the autumn semester in the second year of study. Seminars and lectures are held. In addition, important forms of work will be group discussions, self-study, field work and contact with external actors that are relevant to the individual project group. The fieldwork field abroad is 4-5 weeks.
Own guidelines have been prepared for the project studies, cf. Guidelines for project studies for students in the 2nd year of study in the field of socio-economic education, as well as procedures for cooperation with international partners.