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Community WorkLaajuus (5 cr)

Code: SS10033

Credits

5 op

Responsible person

  • Kirsi Autio

Objective

Learning objectives:

You understand how civil society works and what is the role of civil society in democratic societies. You recognize what the main challenges and future possibilities are in terms of citizen and community participation. You understand the theory and practice of community work as part of social and educational work. You recognize the ways to support communities in terms of social justice, equity, and inclusion. You can utilize and apply participatory methods and community work practices.

Content

Content:
-The basics of community work and community development, especially in the context of civil society
- Community work as a socio-pedagogical practice
- The concept of inclusion is examined in relation to civil rights, active citizenship, communities, social justice, and equity
- The participatory and inclusive working methods as an essential part of the community work approach, both in theory and practice

Enrollment

01.10.2024 - 17.12.2024

Timing

07.01.2025 - 28.02.2025

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Campus

Tikkarinne Campus Tikkarinne 9

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Seats

20 - 120

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Kirsi Autio
  • Maria Korkatti
  • Anne Airaksinen
Teacher in charge

Kirsi Autio

Groups
  • SSAK23
    Bachelor of Social Services, Blended learning, Spring, 2023

Objective

Learning objectives:

You understand how civil society works and what is the role of civil society in democratic societies. You recognize what the main challenges and future possibilities are in terms of citizen and community participation. You understand the theory and practice of community work as part of social and educational work. You recognize the ways to support communities in terms of social justice, equity, and inclusion. You can utilize and apply participatory methods and community work practices.

Content

Content:
-The basics of community work and community development, especially in the context of civil society
- Community work as a socio-pedagogical practice
- The concept of inclusion is examined in relation to civil rights, active citizenship, communities, social justice, and equity
- The participatory and inclusive working methods as an essential part of the community work approach, both in theory and practice

Location and time

The course is conducted online

The course starts in week 2 on 7th Jan with independent learning.

The main way to study is independent online learning. However, the course also includes an exploratory field task done individually or in pairs. The field task requires observing, participating and/or organising community work activities in a chosen organization/community work project.

In addition, the course offers the possibility of joint online work, where the basic topics of the course are deepened. Participation in the online contact work is voluntary but recommended.

Materials

Course materials can be found in the Moodle e-learning platform of the course

Teaching methods

Dear students, Welcome to the Community Work Course which will take place during the first period of Spring, between weeks 2-10. (7.1.-28.2.2025).
The course will be organized online in collaboration with Savonia students. The course is predominantly self-study but will include some online workshops and online tutoring as per the timetable.

The course covers the following topics in theory and practice:
- what is civil society and its role in community work
- the theory, objectives and meaning of community work and community social work in the social sector
- the role and methods of participation and empowerment at the community level
- Socio-cultural animation as an orientation for community work
- Methods and tools of community work for application in practice

During the course, you will be assigned an exploratory field task to be performed either individually or with a partner. You may choose to work with an association, educational institution or a social organization. The course will provide options and suggestions for completing your assignment. However, you may also choose to work with your workplace or network. Best of luck!

Employer connections

During the course, you will carry out an exploratory field task of community work community individually or in pairs. This activity can be carried out in various settings such as an organization or social work organization. The course will provide helpful suggestions and options for completing the assignment. Also, you are free to utilize your workplace or personal networks, if they offer options to explore and learn community work in practice.

Additionally, the course will have visitors attending.

Exam schedules

Completion of the course requires studying the teaching material on the course platform and completing assignments.

For the community work assignment of the course, each student prepares a poster that summarises what the student has learned about community work through theory and practice. The assignment will emphasise the research-based orientation as part of community work. The assignment will be presented and returned in week 9 (by 28 February).

International connections

The course supports internationalisation, especially at home. If agreed, the community outreach assignment can also be carried out as a study trip, if a suitable destination abroad can be found.

Completion alternatives

RPL procedure:
Previous education: it is possible to apply for substitution if you if you have completed a course in community work or community social work in higher education in English.
Work experience: You have more than one year of work experience in community work and/or development, with responsibilities for development work and strengthening community working practices. For example, you have implemented socio-cultural animation processes. An AHOT based on work experience requires a demonstration of competence.

If you feel that you have the competences described above, please contact the responsible teacher to assess the possibility of an AHOT.

Student workload

The course is designed to progress in steps at a certain pace, which should be taken into account when calendaring your work. A study manual has been drawn up for the course, which the student will familiarise him/herself with at the beginning of the course and which he/she will use for calendaring. The exploratory field task is scheduled for the turn of January and February, and it is advisable to reserve space in the calendar for its preparation and implementation.

Further information

The course is instructed in English, but it is not a language course. The aim of the course is to support students in using English in professional settings with ease. For instance, during online lessons, students can receive guidance in Finnish if needed. Additionally, the course materials include essential Finnish vocabulary.

It's important to note that the course does not evaluate the participants' English language proficiency.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is evaluated on a numerical scale of 0 to 5. The assessment takes into account the course content and technical aspects. The content assessment criteria are aligned with the course objectives, while the technical criteria are used to monitor student progress. These criteria include timely completion of assignments and access to course materials in Moodle.

Enrollment

01.10.2024 - 31.10.2024

Timing

07.01.2025 - 28.02.2025

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Campus

Tikkarinne Campus Tikkarinne 9

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Seats

20 - 40

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Kirsi Autio
  • Maria Korkatti
  • Anne Airaksinen
Teacher in charge

Kirsi Autio

Groups
  • SSNK23
    Bachelor of Social Services, Full-time Studies, Spring, 2023

Objective

Learning objectives:

You understand how civil society works and what is the role of civil society in democratic societies. You recognize what the main challenges and future possibilities are in terms of citizen and community participation. You understand the theory and practice of community work as part of social and educational work. You recognize the ways to support communities in terms of social justice, equity, and inclusion. You can utilize and apply participatory methods and community work practices.

Content

Content:
-The basics of community work and community development, especially in the context of civil society
- Community work as a socio-pedagogical practice
- The concept of inclusion is examined in relation to civil rights, active citizenship, communities, social justice, and equity
- The participatory and inclusive working methods as an essential part of the community work approach, both in theory and practice

Location and time

The course is conducted online

The course starts in week 2 on 7th Jan with independent learning.

The main way to study is independent online learning. However, the course also includes an exploratory field task done individually or in pairs. The field task requires observing, participating and/or organising community work activities in a chosen organization/community work project.

In addition, the course offers the possibility of joint online work, where the basic topics of the course are deepened. Participation in the online contact work is voluntary but recommended.

Materials

Course materials can be found in the Moodle e-learning platform of the course

Teaching methods

Dear students, Welcome to the Community Work Course which will take place during the first period of Spring, between weeks 2-10. (7.1.-28.2.2025).
The course will be organized online in collaboration with Savonia students. The course is predominantly self-study but will include some online workshops and online tutoring as per the timetable.

The course covers the following topics in theory and practice:
- what is civil society and its role in community work
- the theory, objectives and meaning of community work and community social work in the social sector
- the role and methods of participation and empowerment at the community level
- Socio-cultural animation as an orientation for community work
- Methods and tools of community work for application in practice

During the course, you will be assigned an exploratory field task to be performed either individually or with a partner. You may choose to work with an association, educational institution or a social organization. The course will provide options and suggestions for completing your assignment. However, you may also choose to work with your workplace or network. Best of luck!

Employer connections

During the course, you will carry out an exploratory field task of community work community individually or in pairs. This activity can be carried out in various settings such as an organization or social work organization. The course will provide helpful suggestions and options for completing the assignment. Also, you are free to utilize your workplace or personal networks, if they offer options to explore and learn community work in practice.

Additionally, the course will have visitors attending.

Exam schedules

Completion of the course requires studying the teaching material on the course platform and completing assignments.

For the community work assignment of the course, each student prepares a poster that summarises what the student has learned about community work through theory and practice. The assignment will emphasise the research-based orientation as part of community work. The assignment will be presented and returned in week 9 (by 28 February).

International connections

The course supports internationalisation, especially at home. If agreed, the community outreach assignment can also be carried out as a study trip, if a suitable destination abroad can be found.

Completion alternatives

RPL procedure:
Previous education: it is possible to apply for substitution if you if you have completed a course in community work or community social work in higher education in English.
Work experience: You have more than one year of work experience in community work and/or development, with responsibilities for development work and strengthening community working practices. For example, you have implemented socio-cultural animation processes. An AHOT based on work experience requires a demonstration of competence.

If you feel that you have the competences described above, please contact the responsible teacher to assess the possibility of an AHOT.

Student workload

The course is designed to progress in steps at a certain pace, which should be taken into account when calendaring your work. A study manual has been drawn up for the course, which the student will familiarise him/herself with at the beginning of the course and which he/she will use for calendaring. The exploratory field task is scheduled for the turn of January and February, and it is advisable to reserve space in the calendar for its preparation and implementation.

Further information

The course is instructed in English, but it is not a language course. The aim of the course is to support students in using English in professional settings with ease. For instance, during online lessons, students can receive guidance in Finnish if needed. Additionally, the course materials include essential Finnish vocabulary.

It's important to note that the course does not evaluate the participants' English language proficiency.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is evaluated on a numerical scale of 0 to 5. The assessment takes into account the course content and technical aspects. The content assessment criteria are aligned with the course objectives, while the technical criteria are used to monitor student progress. These criteria include timely completion of assignments and access to course materials in Moodle.

Enrollment

01.04.2024 - 31.08.2024

Timing

19.08.2024 - 18.10.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Campus

Tikkarinne Campus Tikkarinne 9

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Seats

20 - 140

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Kirsi Autio
  • Maria Korkatti
Teacher in charge

Kirsi Autio

Groups
  • SSNS22
    Bachelor of Social Services, Full-time Studies, Fall, 2022

Objective

Learning objectives:

You understand how civil society works and what is the role of civil society in democratic societies. You recognize what the main challenges and future possibilities are in terms of citizen and community participation. You understand the theory and practice of community work as part of social and educational work. You recognize the ways to support communities in terms of social justice, equity, and inclusion. You can utilize and apply participatory methods and community work practices.

Content

Content:
-The basics of community work and community development, especially in the context of civil society
- Community work as a socio-pedagogical practice
- The concept of inclusion is examined in relation to civil rights, active citizenship, communities, social justice, and equity
- The participatory and inclusive working methods as an essential part of the community work approach, both in theory and practice

Location and time

The course is conducted online

The course starts in week 34 (from 19.8.) with self-study.
The course will include collaborative online work. Students can choose to participate in joint distance learning or to study the topics covered independently with the help of recordings and substitute assignments.
Joint online learning sessions:
Week 35 Tue 27th Aug (27.8.) 8.15-11.45 Orientation and visitors, online 4h
Week 36, Wed 4th Sep (4.9.) 4 h online workshop (together with SSAS22)
Week 38, Wed 18th Sep (18.9.) 4h online workshop (together with SSAS22)
Week 41 Mon 7th Oct (7.10.) 12.30-15.45 Community work forum online 4h

Materials

Course materials can be found in the Moodle e-learning platform of the course

Teaching methods

Dear students, Welcome to the Community Work Course which will take place during the first period of Autumn, between weeks 34-42. The course will be organized online in collaboration with Savonia students. The course is predominantly self-study but will include some online workshops and online tutoring as per the timetable.

The course covers the following topics in theory and practice:
- what is civil society and its role in community work
- the theory, objectives and meaning of community work and community social work in the social sector
- the role and methods of participation and empowerment at the community level
- Socio-cultural animation as an orientation for community work
- Methods and tools of community work for application in practice

During the course, you will be assigned a small community work task to be performed either individually or with a partner. You may choose to work with an association, educational institution or a social organization. The course will provide you with options and suggestions for carrying out your assignment. However, you may also choose to work with your workplace or network. Best of luck!

Employer connections

During the course, you will carry out a community outreach activity alone or with a partner. This activity can be carried out in various settings such as an organization, educational institution, or social work organization. While the course will provide you with helpful suggestions and options for completing the assignment, you are free to utilize your own workplace or personal networks to accomplish your task.

Additionally, the course will have visitors attending.

Exam schedules

Completion of the course requires studying the teaching material on the course platform and completing assignments.

The progression of the course is organised into smaller tasks. Such as small-scale Moodle exams and discussion board assignments.
A poster or other presentation will be prepared for the course's community outreach assignment, which will be returned in week 41.

International connections

The course supports internationalisation, especially at home. If agreed, the community outreach assignment can also be carried out as a study trip, if a suitable destination abroad can be found.

Completion alternatives

RPL procedure:
Previous education: it is possible to apply for substitution if you if you have completed a course in community work or community social work in higher education in English.
Work experience: You have more than one year of work experience in community work and/or development, with responsibilities for development work and strengthening community working practices. For example, you have implemented socio-cultural animation processes. An AHOT based on work experience requires a demonstration of competence.

If you feel that you have the competences described above, please contact the responsible teacher to assess the possibility of an AHOT.

Student workload

The course is worth 5 credits and it requires approximately 135 hours of work from students. It is structured in a way that progresses step by step at a certain pace. Therefore, it is important to consider this pace when planning your study schedule. The community outreach assignment is scheduled for September, so it is recommended that you allocate enough time in your schedule for its preparation and completion.

Further information

The course is instructed in English, but it is not a language course. The aim of the course is to support students in using English in professional settings with ease. For instance, during online lessons, students can receive guidance in Finnish if needed. Additionally, the course materials include essential Finnish vocabulary.

It's important to note that the course does not evaluate the participants' English language proficiency.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is evaluated on a numerical scale of 0 to 5. The assessment takes into account the course content and technical aspects. The content assessment criteria are aligned with the course objectives, while the technical criteria are used to monitor student progress. These criteria include timely completion of assignments and access to course materials in Moodle.

Enrollment

01.04.2024 - 30.04.2024

Timing

12.08.2024 - 18.10.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Campus

Tikkarinne Campus Tikkarinne 9

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
  • English
Seats

15 - 60

Degree programmes
  • Degree Programme in Social Services
Teachers
  • Kirsi Autio
  • Maria Korkatti
Teacher in charge

Kirsi Autio

Groups
  • SSAS22
    Bachelor of Social Services, Blended learning, Fall, 2022

Objective

Learning objectives:

You understand how civil society works and what is the role of civil society in democratic societies. You recognize what the main challenges and future possibilities are in terms of citizen and community participation. You understand the theory and practice of community work as part of social and educational work. You recognize the ways to support communities in terms of social justice, equity, and inclusion. You can utilize and apply participatory methods and community work practices.

Content

Content:
-The basics of community work and community development, especially in the context of civil society
- Community work as a socio-pedagogical practice
- The concept of inclusion is examined in relation to civil rights, active citizenship, communities, social justice, and equity
- The participatory and inclusive working methods as an essential part of the community work approach, both in theory and practice

Location and time

The course is conducted mainly online. The course includes two joint working sessions on campus.

The course starts in week 33 (from 12.8.) with self-study.
The course will include collaborative online work. Students can choose to participate in joint distance learning or to study the topics covered independently with the help of recordings and substitute assignments.
Joint learning sessions:
Week 34 wed 21st Aug (21.8.) 4h Orientation + visitors, Tikkarinne campus
Week 36, Wed 4th Sep (4.9.) 4 h online workshop (together with SSNS22 + Savonia students)
Week 38, Wed 18th Sep (18.9.) 4h online workshop (together with SSNS22 + Savonia students)
Week 40 Wed or Thu 2.-3.10. 4 h Community work forum, Tikkarinne campus

Materials

Course materials can be found in the Moodle e-learning platform of the course

Teaching methods

Dear students, Welcome to the Community Work Course which will take place during the first period of Autumn, between weeks 34-42. The course is predominantly self-study but will include some in person and online workshops and online tutoring as per the timetable.

The course covers the following topics in theory and practice:
- what is civil society and its role in community work
- the theory, objectives and meaning of community work and community social work in the social sector
- the role and methods of participation and empowerment at the community level
- Socio-cultural animation as an orientation for community work
- Methods and tools of community work for application in practice

During the course, you will be assigned a small community work task to be performed either individually or with a partner. You may choose to work with an association, educational institution or a social organization. The course will provide you with options and suggestions for carrying out your assignment. However, you may also choose to work with your workplace or network. Best of luck!

Employer connections

During the course, you will carry out a community outreach activity alone or with a partner. This activity can be carried out in various settings such as an organization, educational institution, or social work organization. While the course will provide you with helpful suggestions and options for completing the assignment, you are free to utilize your own workplace or personal networks to accomplish your task.

Additionally, the course will have visitors attending.

Exam schedules

Completion of the course requires studying the teaching material on the course platform and completing assignments.

The progression of the course is organised into smaller tasks. Such as small-scale Moodle exams and discussion board assignments.
A poster or other presentation will be prepared for the course's community outreach assignment, which will be presented in week 40 and returned in week 41.

International connections

The course supports internationalisation, especially at home. If agreed, the community outreach assignment can also be carried out as a study trip, if a suitable destination abroad can be found.

Completion alternatives

RPL procedure:
Previous education: it is possible to apply for substitution if you if you have completed a course in community work or community social work in higher education in English.
Work experience: You have more than one year of work experience in community work and/or development, with responsibilities for development work and strengthening community working practices. For example, you have implemented socio-cultural animation processes. An AHOT based on work experience requires a demonstration of competence.

If you feel that you have the competences described above, please contact the responsible teacher to assess the possibility of an AHOT.

Student workload

The course is worth 5 credits and it requires approximately 135 hours of work from students. It is structured in a way that progresses step by step at a certain pace. Therefore, it is important to consider this pace when planning your study schedule. The community outreach assignment is scheduled for September, so it is recommended that you allocate enough time in your schedule for its preparation and completion.

Further information

The course is instructed in English, but it is not a language course. The aim of the course is to support students in using English in professional settings with ease. For instance, during online lessons, students can receive guidance in Finnish if needed. Additionally, the course materials include essential Finnish vocabulary.

It's important to note that the course does not evaluate the participants' English language proficiency.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is evaluated on a numerical scale of 0 to 5. The assessment takes into account the course content and technical aspects. The content assessment criteria are aligned with the course objectives, while the technical criteria are used to monitor student progress. These criteria include timely completion of assignments and access to course materials in Moodle.