Course syllabus - Health and Welfare - Theoretical Perspectives

Objectives

The objective of the course is for students to acquire enhanced knowledge of different theoretical perspectives and core concepts used in health and welfare research. An additional objective is for students to acquire more in-depth knowledge and skills regarding research in health and welfare that is related to their own field of research.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1 critically analyze, compare and evaluate theoretical perspectives within health and welfare research and in epistemological contexts
2 explain and apply core concepts used in health and welfare research
3 critically review how health and welfare perspectives have been used with in research
4 develop a health and welfare perspective for their own research area
5 contextualize local and regional health and welfare institutions from comparative and global perspectives
6 reflect upon and carry out ethical assessments within the health and welfare area

Course content

- historical and philosophical perspectives on health and welfare
- scientific perspectives on development and the application of theories and concepts within health and welfare
- structural and cultural dimensions related to health and welfare systems
- ethical aspects of relevance for health and welfare

Specific requirements

A completed bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits in one of the following subject areas: Public Health Science, Caring Science with Specialisation in Nursing, Nursing Science, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or the equivalent. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/English 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish B/Swedish 3.

Examination

INL1, Hand-in assignment, 3 credits: individual hand-in assignment; learning objectives 1-2 and 5; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL2, Hand-in assignment, 3 credits: individual hand-in assignment; learning objectives 3-4 and 6; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
SEM1, Seminar, 1.5 credits: active participation in all seminars; learning objectives 1-3 and 5-6; grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For a VG on the course as a whole, a VG is required on INL1 and INL2, as well as a G on SEM1. For further information, see the study guidelines.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Three-grade scale