To interpret social work in an international context. (W&I)
To have attention for good practices from various (inter)national and inter-disciplinary contexts. (W&I)
To analyze social problems within a broad, global perspective of society. (T)
To critically analyze social problems from a historical perspective. (T)
To initiate collaboration and cooperation. (T)
To share information with stakeholders in a correct professional manner. (T)
To make professional contacts with stakeholders in social work contexts. (T)
To critically reflect as social professionals looking from an agogic, policy and social perspective reflecting on the concepts of human rights, social justice, collective responsibility and diversity. (INT)
To critically argue and take position on social work issues starting from the concepts: human rights, social justice, collective responsibility and diversity. (INT)
To have a critical attitude towards and significant attention for international aspects and challenges of social work. (INT)

W&I = knowing and understanding
T = applying, practicing
INT = integrating

- Description of social work in Flanders.
- Relate social work in Flanders to the international definition of social work.
- The relation between social work, human rights and diversity in Flanders as wel as in other parts of the world on the basis of the book Social Work in an International Perspective (°).
- Preparation of visits for incoming foreign students to organisations where students have done an internship.
- Two stays abroad with lectures, fieldvisits, presentations, dialogues and cooperation with foreign students.
- Attending the lectures of guest lecturers from foreign countries.


(°) In this work academics and practitioners from all five continents highlight the history of the social work profession and its underlying academic and social paradigms. The authors come from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Ghana, Great Britain, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. The structure of this work allows the reader to trace back the historical and political influences in the interpretation of social work in the authors’ countries. Special attention is given to the notions of human rights and social diversity. Are human rights universal and which impact does this universality have on the social work profession? How does categorical work relate to generalist practice and does this in its turn relate to the conception of diversity? The authors approach these main queries in an exemplary and balanced manner using both theoretical analysis and case studies.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

The arrangements regarding prerequisites applied for this course unit, if applicable, are laid out in the Faculty’s international curriculum.

OLR 6 Establish a professional working relationship with all stakeholders in their capacity as social workers
OLR 7 Define social problems from a social work context and in collaboration with stakeholders, from a historical, global and sustainable context.
OLR 8 Participate actively and in a team-oriented perspective in complex, interdisciplinary and international social work contexts.
OLR 11 Act from a social political awareness based on human rights, social justice, collective responsibility and respect for diversities.

Lectures

Excursion/fieldvisits/studytrip: studytrip abroad for several days/weeks

Assignment: groupwork

Seminars: support and coaching
The teacher will be available during the lessons, through mail or appointment.
Use of the electronic learning environment Chamilo

First exam session

Assignment: groupwork (40%).

Evaluation by teacher(s).

Product evaluation.

Presence in the lessons is obliged for the assessment in this training module. A prerequisite for the evaluation, is to attend the scheduled lessons, to participate actively in all the course components, to accomplish the assignments en to respect the given deadlines of these tasks and assignments.

Assignment: individual paper (60%).

Evaluation by teacher(s).

Product evaluation.

Second exam session

Assignment: groupwork (40%).

Evaluation by teacher(s).
Product evaluation.

There is no second examination period. The marks gained in the assignment: model/product/design part during the first examination period are carried over or stay nihil (as the student missed the evaluation).

Assignment: individual paper (60%).
Evaluation by teacher(s).

Product evaluation.

Presentations from guest speakers and other relevant text material will be offered via Chamilo.

The estimated cost is approx. €35 for the syllabus.
The estimated price of the studytrip abroad (transport, accomodation, meals,...) and fieldvisits are at the expense of the participating students and are depending on the current rate.The estimated price of the studytrip abroad (transport, accomodation, meals, ....) is approx. €550 - €650.

For incoming Erasmusstudents who are unable to participate in the studytrip abroad, an alternative program will be offered.

International social work
Internationalization
Intercultural competences
History social work
Diversity
Human rights
Social justice
Collaboration
Networking
Exchange