Cultural Diversity in Social Work
University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
Purpose and content
Culture is that which shapes us; it shapes our identity and influences our behavior. Culture is our “way of being”. The course deals with cultural diversity in different situations based on a comparative perspective. It is designed as a module for students of Social Work/Education and related studies. Through a diverse mix of workshops, visits to practical settings and lectures, different topics related to "Cultural Diversity" will be discussed in an international setting. The seminar gives insights into a variety of current theoretical approaches that make culture visible as (contested) places of everyday life and deals with the effects of (post)colonialism, globalization, internationalization and transnationality on cultural concepts. The module provides also the opportunity to reflect on theoretical foundations of transculturality, diversity, equality, solidarity and intercultural/interreligious communication.
Learning outcome
After completion of the course students should be able to:
- define different concepts of culture and their impact on identity
- know the concept of a global ethic, (critical) cultural studies and postcolonialism
- refer to human rights in order to guide their social practice
- know the basic beliefs of the world religions and the values they convey
- facilitate diversity awareness, cross-cultural competencies and interreligious communication
You are welcome to this course, which offers you the opportunity to experience cross-border learning in an international context. You will meet fellow students from different countries and lecturers from different departments and countries.
The course is divided into a campus part (in Osnabrück) with 8 full days from 09.00-16.00 in two weeks (06.-16.09.2022) and a subsequent written paper, which is net-based, including supervision.
Basic eligibility, special permission equivalent of English B; 30 credit points in Social Sciences
Interested students must send a one page motivation letter and their CV in English to Ayça Polat and Joachim Thönnessen by 30th of April 2022.
An interview may be organised to assess the students’ motivation and language skills.
Students will be notified of the professors’ decision after 5th of May 2022.
Oral presentation
The 30-minute presentation will be given in English. The group consists of 1-3 people. The presentation lasts 15-20 minutes, followed by 10-15 minutes of discussion (for individual presentations, these times are reduced by 1/3). The local teaching team is present on all presentation days. Professors from abroad attend and discuss their students' presentations when possible.
Assessments
Evaluation of the oral presentations of all students by professors from HES SO, Malmö and Osnabrück. Evaluation of the written papers by the home institution. Deadline for submission of written work for Osnabrück students is January 15, 2023.
Further information
- Course instructor
Prof. Dr. Ayça Polat
E-mail: a.polat@hs-osnabrueck.de
- Course instructor
Prof. Dr. Joachim Thönnessen
E-mail: j.thoennessen@hs-osnabrueck.de