Study Guide

Objective

Students will know the theoretical foundations of empowerment and influence. In their work with clients, they will know how to use culturally sensitive socio-pedagogical means to strengthen the social inclusion of individuals and communities. Students will be able to use the tools of social influence and create citizenship-reinforcing inclusion and community. They will be able to express themselves in many ways and participate in social debate. Students will be aware of the impact of their own values on client work. They will recognise the significance of the exercise of power and ethical value conflicts in their work in the social services.
The students will understand the importance of professional and work ethics in social work, and be committed to the ethical principles of social work and act accordingly. They will be able to reflect on ethical challenges in light of their own values and for the development of their activities. Students will understand the importance of emotions in professional work and learn to deal with their own feelings reflectively. They will internalise the importance of professionalism in their interactions. Students will be able to anticipate and act in threatening client situations.

Content

Theories of Empowerment. Power and the exercise of power. The different channels of social influence. Civic ac-tion. Challenges to socio-pedagogical work in an increasingly multi-value society. Tension between the individual and society. Media education, media skills and social media. Language for a client-empowering approach.
Professional ethics in social services. Work ethics. International and national conventions and guidelines. Ethics of reporting in client work. Self-reflection of activities and choices from an ethical point of view. The significance and handling emotions in ethically challenging situations.
Limiting of the right to self-determination. Interaction in threatening customer situations. Anticipating threatening situations, and examination of one’s own courses of action. Aggressive client situations.
Responsibility in taking care of one’s own workplace wellbeing.
The study unit includes four hours of guidance for professional growth.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Assessment:
Assessment criteria as the attachment of the curriculum.
The teacher of the study unit informs the assessment criterias in the beginning of the study unit.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Assessment:
Assessment criteria see the attachment.
The teacher of the study unit informs the assessment criterias in the beginning of the study unit.