Ethical reflections in welfare practices (USV102)
Whether you work in child protection services, migration, mental health, or other welfare services, ethical knowledge and ethical skills are important. Broadly speaking, ethics is about matters of right and wrong conduct, good and bad qualities. This course seeks to advance the student's understanding of the interaction between ethics and the exercise of welfare work in different welfare services and country contexts. The student's background, history and professional practices will be used as a frame of reference in classroom discussions.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
USV102
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
This course will focus on the interaction between student's practice experiences, theories, and reflections. The aims are to provide knowledge about ethical theories, enhance reasoning and to increase the ability to reflect upon welfare practices. To study contextual practices, students will reflect upon practice experiences and incidents raising ethical dilemmas.
Content of the course relates to the following themes:
- Ethical theories
- Contextual Practices
- Reasoning and Ethical reflection
- Emotional work
- Social justice and injustice
- Child participation
- Human rights perspectives
Learning outcome
After completing the course, the candidate
Knowledge:
- has knowledge of ethics and human justice theories
- has knowledge of ethical reflection
- has knowledge of ethical theories
Skills:
- can describe different theories and their relevance for welfare practices
- can reflect upon welfare practices in different countries
- can identify ethical dilemmas in welfare practices
- can develop intercultural communication skills through the multidisciplinary and international classroom (study group)
Competences:
- can describe relationships between theories, methods and welfare practices
- can manage, justify and control his/her own educational development
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Home exam | 1/1 | 1 Weeks | Letter grades | All |
The exam is a semester assignment that will be handed out in the beginning of the course. The assignment should be handed in electronically by December. The language for the exam is English. Individual written text where students present ethical theories/perspectives and discuss a prescribed ethical dilemma in light of these ethical theories. Word count: 3 000 words (+/- 10 %) including table of contents, notes, references, and bibliography. Reference style: APA 7th.