Intercultural practices (MSO290)
International migration and the welfare gap, contributes to new challenges and demands for citizens and social and welfare workers more specifically. A transnational framework captures the cultural diversity in a globalized world. This course emphasizes cultural diversity within welfare systems and intercultural practices within different areas including family relations with multiple societies across borders; global and regional discourses of children and childhoods; civil society organisationsand their collaboration with the public sector and frontline discretion in contextualized inclusion and activation work. The course will emphasize how these different practices are socially, culturally, and historically constructed. The course will aim at strengthen UN Sustainability goals and especially number 5: Gender Equality, 10: Reduced inequalities and 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions.
The lectures are given in English. It is possible to write the home exam in either English or Norwegian.
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Course code
MSO290
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
This course seeks to improve the students' understanding of intercultural practices and policies in diverse welfare contexts. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to analyze and critically evaluate different dimensions of intercultural practice within the following four main areas: 1) cultural diversity, 2) transnational families and children, 3) civil society and nongovernmental services and their collaboration with the public sector and 4) activation in frontline work. Students will have the opportunity to work collaboratively and engaging with peers from different cultural, disciplinary, and professional backgrounds to address real-world intercultural practices in diverse contexts.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- Demonstrate knowledge of intercultural practices, including their theoretical foundations and practical applications in diverse cultural contexts.
- Understand the complexities within cultural diversity and transnationalism, and how these factors influence intercultural practices and policies.
- Acquire knowledge of various welfare areas and their intersections with cultural diversity, such as family relations across borders, global discourses of children and childhood, and civil society services.
- Gain an understanding of the role of civil society organizations in strengthening and innovating intercultural practices, and developing collaborative partnerships with the public sector
Skills:
- Describe and analyze complexities within cultural diversity, including differences and similarities across various welfare areas.
- Participate effectively in dialogues across transnational contexts, demonstrating the ability to engage in respectful and constructive communication with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Develop communication skills through participation in an international classroom environment, including active listening, intercultural communication, and collaboration with peers from different cultural backgrounds.
Competences:
- To participate in dialogue with various welfare actors to improve awareness and respect for diversity
- Development of reflective processes on how personal beliefs, values and knowledge influences welfare practices
- To develop critical reflections on own learning processes
- Academic writing
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 exam, which consist of three tasks, which will be handed out in the beginning of the semester. Total word count: 3000 words (+/- 10 %) excluding table of contents, notes, references and bibliography. Reference style: APA 7th. Resit and deferred examinations: Students who do not get a pass mark after resit and deferred examination must re-take the course with the next cohort.
