Global Perspectives in Social Work

The course is a single subject course in social work. The course is also given as a single subject course for exchange students.

To be eligible for the course as, Global Perspectives in Social Work, 7.5 credits, the equivalent of 60 credits in social science subject is required. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/ Englich B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course deals with the following topics:

• Social work challenges and approaches at the global level
• Human rights, social justice and social work
• The relation between social work and social development 
• Global definitions in social work and global agendas for social development
• Global perspectives in social work at local levels

After completion of the course the student is expected to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe contemporary global challenges in social work

• recognize various contemporary globalmodels of welfare states

• describe major global social work strategies 

• recognize the connection between human rights, social justice and social work

• describe social development approaches in social work

• Competence and skills*

• be able to apply global perspectives in social work to understand social problems and social work interventions 

• be able to analyze social work at the local level with global perspectives

• be able to reflect theoretically on global challenges in social work 

Judgement and approach

• reflect over and judge over contemporary research within global social work 
• problematize, reflect upon and take a stand in ethical and professional challenges in social work settings at the global level
• reflect over own personal attitudes, values and approaches in global social work

The course consists of lectures and seminars. There will also be interactions with local authorities and local organizations.

Language of instruction: English

The intended course learning outcomes are examined on the basis of three seminars and a take-home examination. The three seminars require compulsory attendance and active participation; otherwise supplementary assignments must be submitted to the seminar leaders.

The take-home examination is assessed with the grade Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). If the written individual home examination is given a grade of Fail (U) but is assessed as being close to the Pass (G) threshold, a supplementary assignment may be permitted. The supplementary assignment is assessed according to the U–G grading scale. If the supplementary assignment is failed or is not submitted within the specified time, the student is referred to the next examination opportunity.

For international students, the grades will be translated to the ECTS system.

If a student who has failed twice on the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request should be submitted in writing to the department and must be approved unless there are special reasons to the contrary (HF 6 chap. 22).

If a student has been notified of educational support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation for adapted examination and/or adapted examination form, the examiner may, if it is compatible with the course's learning objectives and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted examination form.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone a major change, students shall be offered two examination opportunities in addition to the regular examination opportunity. These opportunities shall be distributed over a period of at least one year after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they meet the requirements to be a student at the Swedish Sports University (RIU student), the examiner has the right to decide on adjustments to the examination, provided this is done in accordance with the local rules for RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For the grade Pass (G), it is required that the intended course learning outcomes have been achieved, and that the student has actively participated in all compulsory elements.

For Pass with Distinction (VG) for the entire course, it is required that the grade VG has been obtained for the take-home examination.

To achieve VG for the take-home examination, the student must showcase, not only correct descriptions of the requested knowledge, but also an ability to independently and critically discuss the relevant issues in global social work.

The course director guarantees that the evaluation is considered regularly and systematically at the end of the course.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

If the course is changed with regard to contents and/or literature, examination according to this course syllabus takes place in a year after the change. After that, each case will be judged individually to determine if the examination can be made according to the old course syllabus. If the course is cancelled, it may still be examined within two years after the course was offered. Thereafter, each case will be examined individually to determine if examination may be offered.