Art-based Methods in Social Welfare Practice

Upon successful completion of the study unit, the student will have developed the following academic competencies:

– The ability to apply art-based methods effectively to foster a heightened sense of inclusion within diverse contexts. – Proficiency in utilizing visual arts as a means to enhance the inclusion of clients within various social care settings. – A keen appreciation of the unique and equivalent needs of different group members, facilitating an empathetic and equitable approach to social care. – Competence in applying visual art methods as integral components of social care practice, thereby contributing to a holistic and creative approach to care provision. – The capacity to engage in self-reflection, drawing from personal experiences within a creative process, thus fostering a deeper understanding of one’s own journey and its potential impact on others. – A comprehensive comprehension of the concept and significance of the “third space” within the context of a creative dialogue, enabling the exploration of novel and collaborative perspectives. – Proficiency in utilizing concrete art-based techniques and methods as valuable tools for expression and communication within the academic and professional spheres.

During this course you will learn to

• apply creative expression to empower clients in social welfare practice
• use visual art methods for strengthening inclusion and participation in clients
• describe the theoretical basis of visual arts within the social context
• discuss the societal impact of arts in welfare practice

Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation, but it is important to take part in teaching and guidance on campus according to schedule. The study unit includes working in pairs or groups. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher and working life or peer feedback may also be utilized. Englanniksi Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation, but it is important to take part in teaching and guidance on campus according to schedule. The study unit includes working in pairs or groups. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher and working life or peer feedback may also be utilized.

According to the degree regulations (section 18) “students must be present in the first contact session or notify their teacher in charge if they cannot attend. If they fail to notify the teacher of their absence in the first contact session, their enrollment will be rejected. Another student in the queue may be enrolled in the study unit in the place of the absent student.”

• 08.04.2025 09:00 – 15:15
• 15.04.2025 09:00 – 15:15
• 22.04.2025 09:00 – 15:15
• 06.05.2025 09:00 – 15:15
• 13.05.2025 09:00 – 15:15
• 27.05.2025 09:00 – 15:15

One credit typically equates to around 26.7 hours of work performed by the student. Given this, the allocated study time for the 5-credit course would be as follows:

Contact lessons: 40 hours Personal creative assignments: 40 hours Portfolio: 30 hours Reading literature: 25 hours For a 5-credit course, the total allocated study time would be 5 credits x 26.7 hours per credit, which equals 133.5 hours in total. The distribution you’ve provided should sum up to this total allocated study time of 133.5 hours.

Belfiore, E. & Bennett, O. 2010. The Social Impact of the Arts – An Intellectual History. Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Bethell, S. 2019. The Role of Creativity in Social Care Education and Practice. LEARNING BY DEVELOPING 2.0 -CASE STUDIES IN THEORY AND PRACTICE. Eds. Sanna Juvonen, Päivi Marjanen & Tarja Meristö. Laurea Publications.

Fancourt, D. & Finn, S. 2019. What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. (Linkittyy ulkoiselle sivustolle.) Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health EvidenceNetwork (HEN) synthesis report 67).

In this course, grading is based on a scale from 0 to 5 (being the highest), and the evaluation of competence adheres to the guidelines outlined in Laurea degree regulations. The level of competence is determined by assessing the students against the specific criteria defined in the implementation plan for the studies.

For this study unit, competence assessment is conducted using the criteria set for requirement level II.

It is imperative for all Laurea staff and students to adhere to good scientific practices, including proper referencing. It is essential to familiarize oneself with these practices and seek additional information if necessary. Unless otherwise instructed, all study assignments are expected to be completed individually. In the case of Turnitin being used for assignments’ checks, lecturers will inform students accordingly.

Arviointiasteikko: H-5

According to the degree regulations students must be present for the first contact teaching session, or they must notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm they intend to participate in studies. The registration for the study unit will be rejected if the student does not notify the teacher of being absent from the first contact teaching session. Another student who is in line for the study unit can be selected in their place.

The quality of the study unit implementation has been assessed and the self-evaluation report is available in Canvas.

Familiarize yourself with the cancellation process and cancellation policies.