Course syllabus - Social Support and Care in Daily Life

Objectives

The objective of the course is for students to acquire more profound knowledge of social support and care as an aspect of social work, in theory and in practice. From daily-life as well as life-course perspectives, ageing and disabilities are to be elucidated and problematized in a multidimensional approach. A further objective is to problematize the scope of action for professional and other parties involved in social support and care work.

Learning outcomes

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

(knowledge and understanding)
1 give proof of an enhanced understanding of how social support and care are provided in social work, by analyzing and problematizing research in the field
2 give proof of an enhanced understanding of psycho-social and existential health and ill-health from a life-course perspective, based on the analysis of research within gerontological social work and disability studies
3 synthesize how different factors, such as age, disabilities, gender, culture, religion and socio-economic status, influence the attitude to and the provision of social support and care

(competence and skills)
4 problematize and critically explore the living conditions, societal context and daily life of elderly people and people with disabilities who are in need of support and care
5 analyze and problematize the social worker’s scope of action within social care
6 describe, problematize and discuss public responsibility, as expressed in legislation, policies and interventions regarding social care, as well as the role of different public, private and volunteer providers

(judgement and approach)
7 critically evaluate how society and social work respond to social vulnerability in interaction with the elderly and people with disabilities
8 show insight into the role of the life course and the fact that the need for social support and care changes over time in relation to different dimensions of life

Course content

- theoretical perspectives on care and rights for the elderly and people with disabilities
- cross-cultural and international perspectives on social support and care in social work, both on the institutional and the societal level
- daily life, autonomy and participation from a life-course perspective
- different forms of vulnerability in various contexts, e.g. family, school, working life, life as a pensioner or in institutionalized care environment, as well as the response from society and social work
- existential and psycho-social needs; the importance of culture, religion and philosophy of life on the individual and group levels
- the complexity of the welfare system and its institutional practices for the assessment of needs and the realization of interventions with social consequences for the elderly and people with disabilities
- knowledge and scope of action within social work, with a focus on social support and care, in the public, private and volunteer sectors

Specific requirements

A completed bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits within the fields of social work or 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: individually written paper; learning objectives 1-4 and 8; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL2, Hand-in assignment, 3 credits: individually written paper in two parts; learning objectives 5-7; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
SEM1, Seminar, 1.5 credits: written and spoken group presentation; learning objectives 1-8; 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