Course „Social Policies in Europe“ 2017/18

Introductory seminar course (Proseminar) with on-campus phase at Malmö University/Sweden. Bachelor „Pädagogik“. Offenes Wahlmodul B / D. Course No. 645.869. Short description in German here.
The course is offered in winter term 2017/18 for the 2nd time. It is based on a short term student exchange with our new ERASMUS partner, the Department of Social Work at Malmö University.
The course aims to develop the students knowledge and understanding in relation to social policies within a European context, with a particular focus on the relevance for social work and social work practice. The social work practice is examined in different national and organisational contexts. The course consists of two sub courses: Social Policies and welfare systems and Thesis within Social work and policy
During the on-campus phase (30.1.-9.2.18) in Malmö, students from all contributing partner universities (UK, USA, Germany, Sweden, Austria) will meet. The course will be taught by professors from the contributing partner universities, amongst them Jonas Christensen (Malmö) and Eberhard Raithelhuber (Salzburg).

Entry requirements

• Participation in the compulsory preparatory meeting on Wednesday October 4, 2017, 10h a.m. (room 2.217 Unipark Nonntal)
• General eligibility (for Malmö students): 30 ECTS in Social Sciences (Sweden), recommended study progress for Salzburg students: 30 ECTS in Pädagogik (Salzburg)
• Language Skills: The equivalent of English B in Swedish secondary school (language skills will not be examined formally for students from Salzburg)

Purpose

The course aims to develop the students‘ knowledge and understanding in relation to social policy, welfare systems and social problems and living conditions from a multicultural perspective.

Contents

The course deals with social policy and social work organization in different situations on the basis of a comparative perspective. The practice of social work in an international environment is discussed. Moreover, it focuses knowledge of various welfare systems in terms of social policy and social work.
The course is discussed through different themes; children and family, ageing, migration and drug addiction, profession and education. Furthermore, the course helps to develop the student reflections based on their professional identity. Students are expected to reflect critically, analyze and discuss different aspects of the welfare system, such as social policy, organization, challenges and social work in a Swedish and/or other welfare context. More on the course at  Malmö University here.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course students should be able to:
1. describe and analyze social policies in local and global context,
2. analyze social problems and identify vulnerable groups and environments, and reflect on the meaning of welfare system for people,
3. describe and problematize the social systems in which social work operates, and
4. critically reflect on and analyze the different models of welfare and its importance for practical social work.

Learning activities

The knowledge is developed individually, mainly by lectures, reading lists, discussion of cases, as well as by individual and group writing assignments. The student shall individually and in groups plan and carry out their studies. The student is supervised through practical method exercises and the writing process.
Learning outcomes 1 and 2 are trained by students individually and in groups working on issues raised in the lectures related to literature, laws, regulations and conventions. Course participants will also discuss issues that they themselves set and train to critically examine these.
Learning outcome 3 is supported by mandatory group discussions, linked to the case where the student must demonstrate how their own standpoint and values influence social work.
Learning outcome 1 and 4 is supported by a chosen theme implemented as a individual written in-depth work, which the student reflect on and analyze out of different models of welfare and its importance for practical social work.

Assessments (Exam Method and Evaluation)

The assessment is carried out by the responsible contact person and lecturer at Malmö during the on-campus phase.
The learning outcome 1 and 4 is assessed through an individual written in-depth assignment. Learning outcomes 2 and 3 is assessed individually through active participation in the oral presentation of the group work.
The focus of the written assessment is based on comparative social policy. The focus in the oral assessment is based on the ability to argue and justify choices made and to reflect on these choices and the social policy implementation and its consequences in social work.
Specific evaluation criteria are presented in the study guide. Any absence in compulsory parts can, at the discretion of the examiner, be compensated by an individual written assignment. In order to achieve a passing grade on the course in its entirety, the grade of Pass is required for each examination. For the award of the Pass with Distinction grade for the course in its entirety, the grade of Pass with Distinction is required for all examinations.

Costs for travelling and accomodation – grants

Course participation is free of charge. Students have to calculate approx. 200 Euros for accommodation (e.g. shared rooms, 4 beds at the youth hostel) and about 200 Euros for the return ticket from Munich to Copenhagen.
Students from Salzburg can apply individually for a “Stipendium für kurzfristige fachspezifische Kurse im Ausland” (scholarship for short-time specialist trainings abroad), deadline: November 15, 2016) at the International Office of our University. Every applicant can be awarded with a grant of up to 400 Euros.
The positive approval of the applications, which will be supported by the local ERASMUS Coordinator, Eberhard Raithelhuber, is most likely. Details on the application for a grant will be provided at the compulsory meeting on October 4, 2017, 10 a.m., room 2.217. More information on grant offers here.

Recognition of ECTS at the University of Salzburg

For administrative and technical reasons within the BA or MA curriculum “Pädagogik” in Salzburg, students with a positive result will automatically only be granted 4 ECTS.
Nevertheless, the course encompasses a larger workload and is designed for 7,5 ECTS at the University of Malmö. Therefore, another 3,5 ECTS can be acknowledged and validated via the regular approval procedure (Anerkennungsantrag) which has to be handed in to our Curricular Commission at our secretary for student affairs at the the Department of Educational Science in Salzburg (Studiensekretariat).

Course literature and other teaching materials

• Alcock P, Craig G, (2009) International Social Policy: Welfare Regimes in the Developing World. London: Palgrave Macmillan. 320 p.
• Bettmann J, Jacques G, Frost C, (2012) International Social Work Practice: Case Studies from a Global Context Paperback. Oxford: Routledge. 288 p.
• Scientific papers, case studies and input to be added est. around 300 p.