Cultural diversity and child protection (USV105)
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
USV105
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
Content
The aim of the subject is that the students should be able to reflect on the importance of cultural diversity and how it affects meetings between people. The subject will particularly focus on work with children, young people and families and how their cultural background in interaction with other social categories can affect everyday life in general, and encounters with the support system and child protection in particular. Through the course, students will be able to critically reflect on, analyze and apply different discourses, perspectives and theories about cultural diversity. Central topic areas are: cultural sensitivity, acculturation theory, intersectionality, multicultural perspectives on children and children's participation, and cross-cultural influence.
Learning outcome
In the case of a completed subject, the following is expected:
Knowledge
The student has:
- knowledge of central theories and discourses on the importance of cultural diversity and cultural sensitivity in dealing with people
- knowledge of how influences from different cultural and social affiliations can affect the everyday life of children, young people and families
- knowledge of how multicultural children, young people and families experience encounters with the support system
Skills
The student can:
- reflect on and analyze how one's own cultural and social background affects meetings and work with people from different cultural backgrounds
- reflect and have knowledge about different theories and perspectives on children, young people and families in a multicultural perspective
- reflect critically to the concept of 'the best interests of the child' in a multicultural perspective
General competence
The student can:
- apply knowledge and skills about multicultural children, young people and families in new areas
- apply knowledge and skills to plan culturally sensitive practices
- apply their knowledge and skills to carry out innovation projects in work with children, young people and families
Required prerequisite knowledge
Prerequisites:
No
Open for
Open to incoming exchange students and for UiS students.
If the course has less than 10 students registered by the 20th of August, the course will be withdrawn. In that case, the students will receive information through Canvas.
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exam | 1/1 | 4 Days | Letter grades |
Examination / assessmentForm of assessment Weighting Duration Grade AidHome exam 1/1 4 Days, Grading A-F Scope 2 500 words +/- 10% incl. table of contents and sheet music; excl. source references and bibliography. Reference style: APA 7th. Students can write their exam paper in Norwegian or English.Consequences of not passing the exam within the postponed exam: If the student does not pass the exam by the postponed exam at the latest, this means that the student must take a new exam in the subject together with subsequent cohorts. The student must take the exam according to any new and revised course description for the course, but decides for himself whether he/she wants to follow teaching in the new exam semester.Conditions for sitting the exam/assessmentAttendance requirements, PresentationsBoth compulsory activities must be approved for the student to take the exam in the subject. Approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the exam. Students who lack approval for one or more compulsory activities will be withdrawn from the exam.Attendance requirements: 75% attendance in compulsory teaching programs marked in the teaching plan.Presentations: Seminar presentation in a group.
Coursework requirements
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Ayan Abdi Mohamoud HandulleMethod of work
Methods of work
Lectures, seminars, group work and individual work adapted to different modes of study. All students are expected to read the syllabus and participate in student group- and classroom discussions. Cultural diversity and child protection will be exercised from local, national and global perspectives. The course coordinator will facilitate a digital learning platform (Canvas).
Course assessment
There must be an early dialogue between the course coordinator, the student representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.