Course Topics
The integrated course provides foundational knowledge of social work methods, fields of practice, and organisation, combining theoretical foundations with learning oriented towards professional practice. Students deepen their understanding of methodological approaches and the main stages of the helping process and experiment with relevant methods, tools, and techniques within a participatory laboratory. At the same time, they acquire systematic knowledge of the main fields of practice, organisational forms, and social service providers, as well as the institutional, organisational, and policy conditions that define the context of professional practice.

Teaching format
Lecture, discussions, group work

Educational objectives
The course provides foundational knowledge of social work methods, fields of practice, and organisational forms. Students develop an understanding of the significance of methodologically guided professional practice, become familiar with key approaches, tools, and stages of support planning, and engage with participatory forms of planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation of support interventions. They also develop a basic understanding of the organisational and policy frameworks governing social services in the public and private sectors. Knowledge and understanding Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • explain the importance of methods for professional social work practice; • describe key methodological approaches, fundamental principles, and stages of support planning; • identify and explain fundamental social work tools and principles of professional interviewing; • distinguish between different fields of social work practice and identify their respective tasks and target groups; • describe the main organisational forms of social services in the public and private welfare sectors; • explain key concepts from the sociology of organisations and assess their relevance to social work and social policy. Applying knowledge and understanding Students will be able to: • apply methodological approaches and tools to simple case examples from different fields of practice; • analyse and design support processes while taking into account the individual stages of support planning; • incorporate participatory approaches into the planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation of support interventions; • apply fundamental professional interviewing techniques in practical exercises; • take organisational and institutional frameworks into account when analysing social work practice situations; • select and justify appropriate approaches for specific case situations. Making judgements Students will be able to: • assess the appropriateness of methodological approaches for different situations, target groups, and fields of practice; • critically reflect on the opportunities and limitations of different tools and support interventions; • assess the importance of participation, self-determination, and professional responsibility in helping processes; • critically analyse organisational frameworks and their effects on professional practice; • situate social services and their organisational forms within their broader social policy contexts; • justify and critically reflect on their own professional decisions in a comprehensible manner. Communication skills Students will be able to: • use key disciplinary concepts and methodological considerations clearly and appropriately; • present case analyses and proposed courses of action in a structured manner, both orally and in writing; • participate constructively in professional discussions and group work; • recognise the different perspectives of service users, professionals, and organisations and incorporate them into discussions; • conduct professional interviews in a respectful and service-user-oriented manner; • present and justify jointly developed results clearly and comprehensibly. Learning skills Students will be able to: • critically reflect on their own methodological practice and learning process; • receive feedback and use it to further develop their professional and communication skills; • independently consult relevant specialist literature and other sources of information; • connect theoretical content with practical cases and experiences; • identify gaps in their knowledge and skills and develop appropriate strategies to address them.

Assessment
Assessment is based on group work or written assignments in all three modules, as well as an integrated written and oral exam. The group work and written assignments are designed to apply and deepen the content covered in the course and account for a total of 50% of the final grade (30% for the laboratory and 20% for the lectures, 10% for each). The written exam (30%) assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of the key theoretical, methodological, and organisational content of the course, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge to specific questions and/or case examples. The oral exam (20%) involves an in-depth discussion of selected topics and assesses, in particular, students’ ability to establish connections between relevant concepts and issues, reflect critically on them, and present well-reasoned arguments. All components of the examination must be passed individually.

Evaluation criteria
Evaluation is based on the achievement of the stated learning outcomes. It takes into account subject-specific knowledge, the ability to apply what has been learned to concrete practice situations, critical reflection skills, and the quality of written and oral presentation.