SABV260 Socio-Cultural Diversity and Inequalities in Social Work

Contents and structure

The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge and competence in the field of social and cultural diversity and inequalities, in a comparative context. Students will learn about how social work knowledge and practice can be applied to work with populations characterised by diversity and social inequalities and how best to take forward the advancement of human rights and socio-economic justice for these populations.

The focus will be to introduce students to key concepts within the field of social and cultural diversity and inequalities, with a particular focus on local and international perspectives. Emphasis will be on deepening understanding of how questions of inequality and diversity intersect to shape the living conditions of people and communities, within the context of an increasingly globalized world where new forms of inequality and exclusion have emerged.

Learning Outcome

After completing this course, the students will have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge:

The student...

•has broad knowledge of theoretical perspectives relating to the field of social and cultural diversity and inequalities

•has broad knowledge of how socio-economic problems such as poverty, unemployment, and unequal power based on these arise and develop in national and global contexts

•has knowledge of how social categories which shape identity based on race, class, ethnicity, indigeneity/Sámi people, gender, sexual identity/expression, migration/citizenship status and disability intersect and shape access to resources, power and privilege.

•has knowledge of how inclusion, equality and non-discrimination can be promoted to ensure participation and equitable services for all groups in society

•has knowledge of factors that contribute to discrimination and exclusion of different vulnerable groups, including the relationship between impairment and disability and how disabling barriers can be dismantled

•has knowledge of human rights and conventions, laws and regulations to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of socio-culturally diverse populations who face exclusion

•is aware of research and development work connected to the field of social and cultural diversity and inequalities

Skills:

The student...

•can apply professional knowledge based on an understanding of key concepts related to socio-cultural diversity, inequalities and power, in the promotion and development of areas of social work practice and activities based on equal opportunity and social justice.

•can apply professional knowledge to promote social justice and identify resources and provide hope in collaboration with people in vulnerable life situations.

•can reflect on and apply knowledge that contributes to an equal service provision to socially and culturally diverse populations, particularly those characterised by socio-economic inequality.

General Competence:

The student...

•has insight into the structures of power within which populations characterized by socio-cultural diversity and inequalities are embedded

•has insight into and can critically reflect on their professional role

•has insight into the conditions that contribute to socio-economic inequalities and discrimination, and how social justice for marginalised populations may be promoted

•has insight into how to think critically and analytically about the issues of socio-cultural diversity and inequalities

•can convey professional knowledge in the design and implementation of social work practice that promotes equality, rights and diversity and contributes to inclusion, mastery and participation of marginalised populations

•can communicate, in oral, written and other relevant forms, the key premises and substance of different concepts, theories and perspectives related to this thematic field

Entry requirements

All subjects from the 1. year of study must be passed.

Teaching methods

The course uses an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. Students will be introduced to a wide range of relevant theoretical perspectives from different academic disciplines to promote a grounded, in-depth and nuanced understanding of concepts, theories and frameworks for practice relating to socio-cultural diversity and inequalities.

The course readings will be discussed during the class lectures in a clear and comprehensive manner and students are expected to participate in the discussions based on the readings. Along with the theoretical lectures, the students will participate in other interactive forms of learning such as seminars and workshops, based on real-life examples and case studies, designed to unpack and operationalize theoretical learning and knowledge. Many of the lectures will be combined with the seminars held on the same day. Active student participation and engagement are critical in this course. The objective is to ensure collective and individual student learning during lectures, seminars, group work and supervision sessions.

Compulsory learning activities

The following compulsory work requirements must be approved for students to take the exam:

1. Compulsory attendance in seminars, workshops and excursions ( at least 80% attendance)
2. Compulsory attendance in supervision (100%)
3. Each student must submit an individually written 1500 word text on a theme or themes related to the main theoretical content of the course. In addition, the student must make an oral presentation based on the 1500 word text they have developed to the teachers and this presentation should be for a minimum of 10 minutes. Both the written text and oral presentation as a whole will have the approved / not approved assessment form.

Approved work requirements are valid for 4 semesters.

Assessment

Group home exam

The exam questions will be provided midway through the course.

Groum written exam (in English) related to the main thematic foci of the course. The number of days allocated to this home exam is seven (7). The scope of the exam is 4500 words (+ /- 10%).

Grading scale :

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

New exam:

If the group fails the exam, they must write a new exam based on a new task.

A passed group exam cannot be improved. If at least one student has a valid absence or at least one of the groups fails the exam, a new exam will be arranged. If only one student with a valid absence registers, the student may take an individual exam unless otherwise stated in the course description.

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