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

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

Location and time

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

Materials

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.

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.

Employer connections

There is no working life projects in this study unit.

Exam schedules

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 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.

Evaluation scale

H-5

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.