Social Work in Contexts of Postcolonial Migration: Perspectives on Policies, Institutions and Practices
7.5 credits
In this course, we specifically investigate the field of social work, which includes public, private, nonprofit, national and international activities and operations. We also examine the ways social work changes and relates to increased migration and changing migration patterns and consequences. The course presents and problematizes theories of migration in general and of social work in relation to migration in particular. These theories then form the basis for elaborating and analyzing the link between social work and migration in relation to migration and social policy, welfare institutions, social work practices and the living conditions of individuals and groups.
This course is intended for those who in their current or future work meet people with experience of migration as well as for those who are curious about migration and want to know more about how different societies and societal institutions respond to migration.
This course focuses on social work institutions and practices and how they are guided by migration/social/public policies as well as ethical considerations. The course engages with four main issues central to social work:
social work as a response to people’s vulnerability
the control/care dilemma
social work as a method of enhancing social rights and belonging as well as fostering social wellbeing and change
professional encounters and treatment in context of postcolonial migration.
During the course, current theories of postcolonial migration and particularly social work are discussed and problematised. These theories then provide the ground for more indepth study and analysis of the connection between social work and postcolonial migration in relation to migration/social/public policy, welfare institutions, social work practices, and the living conditions of particular individuals and groups.
The course is combined with program students at the Faculty of Social Sciences and national-, international- and exchange students who study independent course.
Join a global community at an international university!
This course is an elective course within the master's programme in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies. The programme is designed to meet the societal and academic need for a discerning and critical analysis of the impact and consequences of colonialism in history and today. A special focus lies on how the modern world has been shaped through the colonial exercise of power, discourse, networks, and knowledge, and how these factors continue to impact economic, social, cultural, and political relations in postcolonial contemporary society. There is a close collaboration with the international research centre Concurrences.
Distance – study where you are
Perhaps you would like to study in the Swedish mountains, in a big city, or at home close to family? Many of our programmes and courses are offered in distance format.
Studying at a distance can be done in different ways, either entirely without physical gatherings or with only a few gatherings on campus or at one of our learning centres. The common denominator is that a large part of your studies takes place online. You communicate with the teacher and other students with the help of a learning platform with discussion forums, group work, recorded lectures and online meetings.
The benefit of distance studies is the flexibility, something that is valuable if you want to be free to decide when and where you want to study. Some compulsory elements on you course or programme may take place during office hours, even though they are online.
Växjö – the student city with a living campus
Just south of Växjö’s city centre you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. In Växjö, many students choose to live on campus.
Here you will have five minutes’ walking distance to friends, restaurants, lecture rooms, gym, grocery store, the University Library, nature trails, and student pubs. If you live in another part of Växjö, you can quickly get to the university by bus or bicycle.
With its 90 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. Here you will find the famous Småland entrepreneurship spirit and a lot of companies, for instance within the IT industry – perfect for when you are looking for an internship position or a job. Växjö is also a picturesque city where you are always close to forests and water.
Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.