Introduction to the urban context (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The students are familiar with the structural and social geography of urban contexts. The students know how to identify needs within privileged and less privileged areas and communities in the city. They are able to make use of observation, exploration and mapping tools during field visits.

Content

Introduction to the urban context. Urban transformation, segregation, gentrification and their impact on social services. Adult social work development. Homelessness in the capital region. Introduction to neighbourhood observation, exploration and mapping tools. Phronetic approaches to social service work. Anti-discriminatory dimensions in urban contexts. Simple Finnish vocabulary and phrases used in urban contexts.

Teaching methods

Lectures, reading, case tasks, independent work, group work, neighbourhood walks

Location and time

Tentative Schedule. Changes may occur.
27.08.2025 09.00 - 11.45 MPC4011 (Orientation, Compulsory attendance)
02.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45 MPA5027
16.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45 MPA4010
17.09.2025 09.00 - 16.00 Independent group work
22.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45 Independent group work
26.09.2025 12.45 - 16.00 MPA2019
30.09.2025 12.45 - 16.00 MPA5027
01.10.2025 09.00 - 11.45 MPC4013 (Presentation Day)

Learning materials and recommended literature

Williams, C. (2016). Social Work and The City. Urban Themes in the 21st-century Social Work. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Ingold, T. & Vergunst, L. (2008). Ways of Walking: Ethnography and practice on foot. Aldershot: Ashgate
Pink, S. (2007). “Walking with video”. In: Visual Studies 22(3). P. 240-252.

O’Neill, M. & Hubbard, P. (2010). “Walking, sensing, belonging: ethno-mimesis as performative prax-is”. In: Visual Studies 25 (1). P. 46-58.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

TBA

Internship and working life connections

TBA

Exam dates and retake possibilities

TBA

International connections

TBA

Student workload

27h/credit

Content scheduling

See above

Further information for students

- If the student has prior learning concerning the course an eRPL application must be done before enrolling to the course to the responsible teacher. If you have any further questions concerning eRPL please contact the AHOT responsible teacher for the course.
- If the student has a special support arrangements decision which affects the course, the student needs to contact the teacher in charge right after the enrollment period.
- At the beginning of the course, the teacher will explain the policies for AI use. Use of AI in assignments where it is specifically prohibited constitutes academic misconduct. Similarly, insufficient referencing of AI use is also considered misconduct. Metropolia's AI guidelines can be found on the Student Desktop
- The course includes Sosiaalialan suomi (Finnish for Social Services) meetings, which Finnish language learners attend as part of this course. The schedule for Finnish language meetings for Social Services will be announced in August. The meetings will start in August and end in December. They will be held regularly throughout the first and second periods.

Assessment methods and criteria

- Students will read the assigned readings and case tasks for class discussion and independent work.
- Students have to do a presentation based on the instructions given and write a report on urban neighbourhoods in groups.
- Students are expected to attend lectures and participate in all teaching methods used in the course. Failure to do so can affect their final grade.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Framework of evaluation is as an attachment in the Curriculum's description.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Framework of evaluation is as an attachment in the Curriculum's description.