BSO214B Module 2 - Social exclusion and inclusive practices in social work

Contents and structure

In the last decades, there have been worldwide rapid changes in societies. Increasing mobility and global differences in political, social and economic factors influence the living conditions and thereby the social challenges in various parts of the world. Migration and refugees are, for example, a result of these differences Europe as continent has experienced in the last decades. The situation between specific groups, religions age generations, sexual orientations, etc. leads to marginalization or discrimination of people and makes life in our societies tensed and complex. This development has implications for the field of social work and for the framework and the role of professionals. For social workers it is important to be able to understand what is going on in our societies in order to support people who are marginalized.

In this course the concept of 'intersectionality' will be used as a critical analytic tool to help to understand social exclusion and discrimination and to address anti-oppressive social work. The intersectional approach focuses on the complexity of gender, sexuality, class, age, ethnicity and race.

For social workers it is important to understand those concepts to be able to support potential clients or groups of clients in an anti oppressive way. The methodical approach to do this in a constructive way will be another important element in this course.

Within an online learning environment, social workers living and working in very different situations will have the opportunity to learn from each other and to share information and knowledge important for their work with their clients. A global perspective on Social Work is important for professional social workers directly involved with clients from different parts of the world and with different identities. It is also important for bachelor and postgraduate students who will need an international perspective on social work for their future career.

Learning Outcome

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge The student...

• knows how to describe, analyze and compare commonalities and differences in terms of hoe societies exclude certain (groups of) people
• knows about social challenges in regard to discriminatin and how to deal with them can vary within countries and professional contexts
• knows the way to social work theories and methods are suitable to deal with questions concerning discrimination, social exclusion and inclusion
• knows how to integrate the intersectional approach in a social work context
• knows about anti-oppressive practice and its implication for social intervention
• has knowledge about comparative methods

Skills The student...

• can apply comparative methods and present an overview of commonalities and differences related to the legal and social policy framework for social work in different countries
• can apply the intersectional and anti-oppressive approaches to work with clients in a constructive way promoting inclusiveness
• can collect, assess, analyse and present data related to social work issues in an international context
• can analyze and understand how their own values and norms influence the way they act

General Competences The student...

• can deal with ethical dilemmas that may arise during social interventions
• can work together with students and teachers from other countries in a virtuel classroom
• can give and share information about their own country when tackling social challenges and interventions
• can reflect upon his/her learning process during the course and relate this to professional development

Entry requirements

Admission Requirements

• Second year Bachelor and upward students in social work
• English language skills
• Internet access

Teaching methods

Learning and teaching approach

Through the whole study programme students will work with a problem oriented focus, and by solving tasks they will reflect on situations concerning social work, exclusion and inclusive practices.

The course will start with an introduction to the e-learning platform and the virtual classroom, and the students will be acquainted with the international group of students and teachers they will be working with. Every week students will receive new learning material and new tasks to work on, both individually and in the group. The tasks are related to the objectives of the course. Students who deliver their tasks on time during the program receive feedback and guidance from the teacher. Students have to enter the classroom in relation to different activities at least three times a week. Online conferences among students and teachers are arranged during the study period.

All elements in the course will be organized and administrated through a common learning management system.

Compulsory learning activities

There will be a portfolio assessment, which means that all tasks shall be completed before the final assessment. Completed tasks are collected in the e-portfolio, and a number of these tasks are part of the final exam.

Assessment

The maximum number of words in the presentation portfolio is 6000 (+/-10 percent), including a reflection on their learning experience. Information about which tasks student will be required to deliver for final assessment/presentation portfolio are given to students approximately three weeks before the final exam.

Final marks from A-F (F is not approved).

Re-examination:

The re-examination will be on