Course content

The subject will give extensive historical and scientific knowledge on social work tradition, theory and method. Social phenomena and social incidents may illustrate theoretical perspectives. Social work is regarded as both a practice and a science. The normative question as well as social policy frame social work reflecting ideologies and intended social change. This is also reflected in organization and technology surrounding practice and research. The dominating discourse in social science and social work is central to the subject as well as reaching for the research front, both nationally and internationally. Students are trained in critical thinking and reflexivity about social work and the profession.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - Students:

• Have advanced knowledge about the genesis of social work as a subject, profession and practice.
• Have advanced knowledge of the theory and conceptualizing of social work
• Have advanced knowledge about the interrelations among theory, interpretation and understanding of the dissocial and pretentions to solve social challenges
• Are able to analyse and theorize social challenges and the professional methods applied in social work and to relate this to different historical and social contexts
• Have advanced knowledge in the field of knowledge production and research relevant for social work
• Can analyse value positions and interpretations related to perspectives used in social work theory and practice

Skills - Students:

• can perform critical analyses and relate to uncertainty, moral and politics and how this may affect social work as practice and theorizing
• can analyse and deal critically deal with social work as a social science

General knowledge - Students:

• can analyse relevant social science questions in social work

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, student's own presentations and group work.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment
• Written assignment
• Oral presentation

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor in social work, child welfare work, social education programme or similar degree.

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor in social work, child welfare work, social education programme or similar degree. The course is compulsory for students who are admitted to the master's program in social work.

Course materials

The syllabus list is published on Blackboard at the start of the course.

Credit reductions