Art-based Methods in Social Welfare Practice (5cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able 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

Teaching methods

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.

Time and location

Check the timetable at https://lukkarit.laurea.fi./#/schedule.

Learning materials and recommended literature

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).

Huhtinen-Hildén, L. & Isola, A.-M.2019. Reconstructing life narratives through creativity in social work. In publication: Cogent Social Sciences, 5:1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311886.2019.1606974

Tip: Contact Laurea - library well in advance to ensure the availability of materials. The library can also assist in finding a suitable knowledge base.

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

There is no working life projects in this study unit.

Important dates

To successfully complete the course, a 75% attendance rate in contact teaching sessions is required, as well as the submission of assigned learning tasks by the agreed deadline.

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.”

Student workload

The workload of the course is structured so that one ECTS credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of student work required to achieve the intended learning outcomes. The actual time needed may vary between individuals, for example, due to prior knowledge and experience.

Content and scheduling

This course explores the use of visual art-based methods as tools for promoting inclusion and enhancing social care practices. Students will gain the ability to apply creative approaches to foster empathy, equity, and participation in diverse group settings. Emphasis is placed on recognizing and responding to the unique needs of individuals, supporting inclusion through visual expression, and integrating art methods into holistic care work. Through reflective practice and engagement in creative processes, students will deepen their understanding of their own experiences and the transformative potential of art in social contexts. The course also introduces the concept of the "third space" as a framework for creative dialogue and collaborative learning. Practical, hands-on techniques are emphasized as means for communication and expression in both academic and professional environments.

Further information

The course is at the level required for studies leading to a bachelor's degree at a university of applied sciences.

The course implementation method has been evaluated using the quality criteria for teaching.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

Competence assessment is based on the learning objectives, and the level of competence is evaluated using the assessment criteria specified in the course implementation plan, in accordance with the 2024 Degree Regulations.

The course uses the level II assessment criteria for bachelor’s degree students, which are described below.

Professional Knowledge Base, Information Retrieval, and Reporting

At grade 5, the student is able to:

Analyze acquired information, draw conclusions, and integrate theoretical and experiential knowledge.

At grade 3, the student is able to:

Critically evaluate information and justify actions based on research evidence.

At grade 1 (pass), the student is able to:

Consistently use professional terminology and demonstrate familiarity with the knowledge base.

Report and communicate in a professional manner.

Professional Practice and Development of Working Life

At grade 5, the student is able to:

Evaluate the applicability and impact of produced knowledge, skills, or ideas in other contexts.

Anticipate the needs of clients and/or partners.

At grade 3, the student is able to:

Propose solutions to professional tasks using creativity.

Promote professional collaboration and develop client or partner relationships.

At grade 1 (pass), the student is able to:

Work independently, considering the operational environment.

Take responsibility for working with clients and/or partners and responding to their needs.

Teamwork Skills, Leadership, and Responsibility

At grade 5, the student is able to:

Assess and develop the group’s entrepreneurial and responsible working approach.

Evaluate opportunities to apply competence and plan the development of both personal and group skills.

At grade 3, the student is able to:

Promote the group’s entrepreneurial and responsible working approach through their actions.

Describe their own competence development in relation to the course learning objectives.

At grade 1 (pass), the student is able to:

Describe the significance of their own actions for successful collaboration.

Describe their competence in relation to the course learning objectives.

Note:
If a student does not demonstrate the required level of competence according to the assessment criteria, they must supplement or retake the course work as determined by the course instructor and within a time frame specified by the instructor. If the student still does not achieve a passing grade after the opportunity to supplement the work, they must retake the course in a manner agreed upon with the instructor. (Degree Regulations 2024)

All members of the Laurea community are expected to adhere to good scientific practices, including proper referencing. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these practices and seeking guidance when needed. Unless otherwise specified in the assignment instructions, all coursework must be completed individually. If plagiarism detection tools such as Turnitin are used, students will be informed by the instructor.

The schedule and conditions for retaking or improving a course or part of a course will be agreed upon in writing at the beginning of the course or recorded in the course implementation plan.