Comparisons as Part of Expertise in Social Services

Structure Type: Course
Code: KF21SOPAS10
Type: Compulsory
Level: Master
Credits: 5.0 points
Responsible Teacher: Zechner, Minna
Teacher Team: Zechner, Minna ; Tiilikka, Tiina
Language of Instruction: Finnish

Course Implementations, Planned Year of Study and Semester

Curriculum  Semester  Credits  Start of Semester  End of Semester
YSOSKO-2016   2 autumn   5.0   2017-08-01   2017-12-31  

Learning Outcomes

Student is familiar with social work debates and is able to have an international stance when developing social services.

Student's Workload

130 hr (lectures + distant learning)

Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses

No previous studies are required.

Contents

Themes and methods in comparative social policy and social work research. Different ways how welfare is produced in different part of the world. Finnish welfare and social services in comparison to other countries.
A trip abroad may be part of this study module if the students are willing to do so.

Recommended or Required Reading

For example:
Salverda, Wiemer ym. (2014) Changing inequalities in rich countries. Analytical and comparative perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Tervonen-Gonçalves, Leena & Oinonen, Eriikka (2012) Vertailun valta. Yhteiskuntapolitiikka 77(1), 3-15.

Becker, Saul, Bryman, Alan & Ferguso, Harry (2012) Understanding research for social policy and social work: Themes, methods and approaches. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lectures and distance learning

Assessment Criteria

Grades 1-2
Student knows the basis of comparative research and the benefits and problems related to comparisons. Student has read some comparative studies in social policy and social work.

Grades 3-4
Student is able to criitically evaluate comparative studies and is able to comparisons between Finland and other countries.

Grade 5
Student is able to make use of comoaratives research during studies and is able to implement comparative research.

Assessment Methods

Grading is based on a student assignments, the scale of 1-5.

Work Placement

Study module contains no practical training.

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