Project work

The first part of the course consists of theory of science and scientific research methods. Then the students will plan their own project to acquire knowledge on an area of their own choice, relevant to the practice of social work, in Norway and/or abroad. During the project work, the students shall learn to work together in autonomous learning groups. The students shall carry out a projekt work by gathering knowledge/data/information. The results must be presented in a project report, possibly in combination with other products. The project reports must be presented at a seminar at the end of the course.

Knowledge
The student has
- knowledge about a chosen topic related to the practice of social work
- knowledge of theory of science and social scientific research methods
- knowledge about planning and carring out projects in groups
- knowledge about political, economical and cultural (structural) factors relevant to social work and social problems

Skills
The student can
- work in groups and take responsibility for group processes
- collect and analyse information/data
- evluate in a critical way their own work and also the work of others
- write a project report and communicate the results of their work
- reflect critically on their own role in groups and in the face of different contexts

General competence
The students can
- work systematically to develop research questions regard to a chosen topic
- carry out a limited project work in a systematic way
- establish contact and relation to a Norwegian or international contact/partner
- make thorough and deep studies into a chosen topic
- contribute to cooperation and possible conflict solving in group prosesses

Project work in groups. Project groups who plan to travel abroad must start preparations before the semester starts. Seminars and lectures. Important additional activities will be group discussions, individual studies, field work and contact with external contacts relevant to the project group. Field work abroad will take 4-5 weeks. Special guidelines for this course is available at the Department.