Internationalisation and Social Work, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course critically examines relevant questions related to social work in an international context.

It discusses the global processes that shape social work practices and determine the nature of the social issues examined. The course explores different theories of global social work and discourses on social issues, vulnerabilities and interventions within social work, and it critically examines the implications of international theoretical and practical applications.

The course also examines social work in different global socio-political contexts by mapping the structures, cultures and ideologies underlying the different ways in which social work and its professional development are organised. Different models for social work are discussed and contextualised, for example individual-oriented work and international social work.

The course also addresses theoretical perspectives, such as the globalisation of social problems, social justice, oppression, social development, empowerment and anti-discriminatory practices, which enable the ability to critically reflect on the practices of international social work.

It discusses the challenges facing education in social work. It examines the international guidelines for social work and the diversification of social work. It also discusses whether there are or should be universal values applicable to social work (regardless of whether these are reflected in current ethics documents). The course includes a reflection on cultural relativity and multicultural practice in relation to social work.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students should have knowledge of and understanding for:
1) the key factors that contribute to shaping international social work and the factors that influence social work and welfare in Sweden;
2) how different political systems and ideologies form perspectives on social problems and organisation of social work practices
3) the concept of social citizenship in relation to international human rights frameworks and conventions.

After completing the course, students should have the competence and skills to:
4) apply and explain how different national systems and ideologies shape and organise social work.

After completing the course, students should be able to:
5) critically reflect on the consequences of globalisation in relation to social work and vulnerable groups in society;
6) critically reflect on international and intercultural theories of social work practice.

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires at least 90 credits in the social sciences (social work, peace and conflict studies, gender studies, human geography, educational methods, psychology, sociology, political science, jurisprudence) or equivalent knowledge, including at least 15 credits from an independent project, or 90 credits in nursing, including at least 15 credits from an independent project. Additionally, admission also requires English that meets the general entry requirements for higher education.

Form of instruction

The course is given in English. 

It is taught in the form of distance education, where the teaching is online with recorded lectures available on the learning platform or synchronous lectures provide via digital systems, online seminars and exercises. There are compulsory course elements.
 
The emphasis is on combining theoretical perspectives with practical exercises aimed at understanding theory in relation to practical tasks. This is done using different exercises and group work that are discussed in seminars. The seminars are designed based on topics covered in the literature and are compulsory.

Examination modes

Examination in the course occurs through seminar presentations, participation in online discussion forums, and a master's level writing assignment. The seminars are compulsory.

Students will conduct a literature search in databases (Social Work Abstracts, PsychInfo, Medline, etc.). This literature search should be related to a question within an area of interest chosen by the student.

Separate grades are given for seminar presentations and written assignments.  In the seminars, the grade is either pass or fail. For written assignments, the grade is pass, pass with credit, or fail. To receive a pass with credit grade for the entire course, the student must have received a pass with credit grade on the final assignment and attended all seminars.

For all written assignments, the student must cite sources in accordance with academically accepted forms and the assignments must be of a good linguistic quality.

Students who receive a passing grade on a test may not retake the test in order to attempt to attain a higher grade.

Deviating from the examination formats indicated on the syllabus is permissible if a student has been approved for pedagogical support due to bodily impairment. Individual adjustments to the examination format will be considered based on the student's needs. The examination formats are modified within the framework of the expected learning outcomes indicated in the syllabus. Upon student request, the course instructor, in consultation with the examiner, are to promptly decide upon a modified examination format. The student is then to be notified of the decision.

For retaking tests and examination at other sites, the department adheres to Umeå University's rules for grades and examination of bachelor's and master's studies:
https://www.umu.se/en/legal-framework/first--and-second-cycle-education/

An application to conduct an examination at different site is submitted to the Office of Student Services.

Other regulations

Transfer of course credits is assessed on an individual basis. Information and forms regarding credit transfers are available here:
https://www.umu.se/en/student/your-studies/transfer-of-credits/