MASA203 Social mobilisation and community work

Contents and structure

In this course, students will immerse themselves in community work in a broad social context, and be able to practice how their own projects contribute to knowledge development in community work.

The course is therefore double fold:

The first is the emphasis on the use of theory in their research project. It provides a theoretical toolbox which has a number of theoretical concepts, approaches and scientific theories that can be used in community work. The theoretical basis and working methods for community work have in various ways been presented and dedicated to the first years of study. This course is meant to link these and a few to research projects.

The second is theoretical and practical examples of social mobilization. Central to this thematic area is a social science understanding of what local, national and global forces have to say for social change. The course will focus on how these forces can be mobilization resources for humans, and how they can function as inhibiting structures. The course provides practical applications on mobilization, participation, power, resistance. This thematic area will also expand students' thinking about formulating practice-based research projects.

Central theme:

• Mobilization, Participant Competence, Children, Youth and Participation, Non-Oppressive Practices, Strength and Resistance
• Use of theory in a research project
• Distinguish between theory of science, theoretical concepts and approaches to community work
• Application of scientific theories such as resilience, theories of social practice.
• Application of theoretical concepts such as social capital, empowerment, participation

Learning Outcome

A student with a completed course will have the following total learning outcomes defined in knowledge, abilities and general competence:

Knowledge:
The student..

• has a thorough understanding of social work such as practice, theory and methods for change, and develop their own analytical voice
• has advanced and in-depth knowledge of the complexity of community work
• uses the knowledge in new areas
• can analyze professional issues in creative ways
• can analyze and adhere critically to objections that can be directed at own projects

Skills:
The student ...

•  knows how to identify critical factors in community work and be critically reflective about own projects
•  knows how to formulate professional arguments orally and in writing
•  works independently with theoretical and practical tasks.
•  can find and make use of a broad professional supply of research and development work

General competence:
The student ..

•  knows how to communicate their own professional understanding
•  contributes to new thinking and innovation in the field
•  knows how to use community work as a theoretical and practical discipline to examine, discuss or challenge their own master's degree project

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Teaching is in the third semester. Lecture, group work, article seminar, receive and comment on your own and fellow students' work, participate in discussions, submit work requirements via Canvas.

Process-oriented writing, submit essays / exam assignments for guidance, contribute with comments on fellow students' essays.

Compulsory learning activities

None

Assessment

Exam
Assignment in the form of a written individual essay. 4500 words +/- 10%. Front page and bibliography are in addition. 

Assessment terms
Graded grade scale A to F, where A to E is passed grade and F is not passed. 

New exam
Students can rewrite the assignment, or submit a new assignment for a new exam