Community-Based Practices and Social Innovation (USV106)
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
USV106
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
Communities are currently confronted with significant challenges, including migration, inequality, social exclusion, housing shortages, poverty, and loneliness. These complex issues often lead to divisions, benefiting some groups while marginalizing others. To effectively address these pressing concerns, there is a critical need for innovative solutions—both services and projects—at the community level.
This course explores community-based practices and social innovation as key methods for creating positive social impact, focusing on the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) such as volunteer groups and non-profits. Students will explore how CSOs collaborate with diverse citizens, service user groups, public and private actors to co-create solutions at a community level. They will also critically assess how these organizations challenge conventional systems and drive local social change.
By the end of the course, students will gain an understanding of the values and practices that underpin community-based practices. They will also develop the practical skills necessary to engage in the development of community solutions. By combining theoretical learning in the classroom with applying knowledge to address real cases, students will engage with local organizations to explore community projects and initiatives.
Lectures are held in English, while students can write the home exam in either English or Norwegian.
The course is open to incoming exchange students (ERASMUS and other international-related projects) as well as UiS students. If fewer than 10 students are registered for the course by August 20th, the course will be withdrawn. Students will be notified via Canvas.
Learning outcome
By focusing on both local and global contexts, students will develop the following knowledge and skills:
Knowledge:
- Demonstrate knowledge of important definitions, principles and modalities underlying community practice, group work, and diversity perspectives in addressing complex social issues
- Explore the concept of social innovation in the context of civil society organizations and their work with communities and other public and non-public actors.
- Familiarized with the role of CSOs (voluntary, grassroots, non-profit, and NGOs) in advocating for social change and innovation at the local, national, and global levels.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to design community-level solutions.
- Learn and apply practical methods of community engagement, co-creation and participatory practices.
Skills:
- Assess the role of CSOs in fostering social change at local, national, and international levels.
- Enhance communication skills in an international classroom environment through active listening, intercultural communication, and collaboration with peers and community members from diverse backgrounds.
- Familiarize with methodologies to assess community needs and design innovative, community-driven initiatives to address societal challenges.
- Enhance ability to critically analyze real-world problems and apply theoretical knowledge to develop practical, community-based solutions.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exam | 1/1 | Letter grades |
Form of assessmentHome examThe exam is a semester assignment. The assignment should be handed in electronically by December (information about the exam date will be updated). The exam can be written in either English or Norwegian. The assignment involves writing an individual text focused on community-based practice and social innovation. Word count: 2 500 words (+/- 10 %) including table of contents, notes, references, and bibliography. Reference style: APA 7th.
Coursework requirements
Coursework requirements
Mandatory registered presence
Presence is mandatory (MP) for certain parts of the course (i.e., field visits, seminars, group project work and other marked with MP in the lecture plan). Mandatory requirements: 75% presence. If students do not fulfil the MP requirement, students will have to pass an assignment given by the course coordinator to take the course exam.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Aleksandar BozicMethod of work
The course will include lectures, seminars, group tasks, and individual assignments tailored to various learning styles. All students are expected to read the syllabus and actively participate in group discussions and classroom activities. Community-based practices will be examined through the lens of social innovation and civil society organizations addressing various social issues from both local and global perspectives.
Throughout the course, there will be group sessions where students will complete assignments related to the final individual exam, which can be delivered in either English or Norwegian. Communication between students and instructors will take place using the learning platform Canvas.