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Servizio sociale in contesti storici, inter- e transnazionali

Semestre 2 · 51080 · Corso di laurea in Servizio sociale · 10CFU · EN · DE


The course combines a comprehensive and critical introduction to the history and development of social work with inter- and transnational perspectives. Starting from historical origins in the pre-modern era and in the context of industrialisation, it traces the development of social work as a profession and discipline up to the present day, examining its meanings and entanglements in different contexts and periods. The course broadens the focus to inter- and transnational dynamics of social work, analysing power relations and global inequalities, and reflecting on decolonial approaches and transcultural challenges. Participants thus develop a nuanced understanding of social work perspectives and possibilities for action within the context of current glocal tensions and challenges.

Docenti: Urban Nothdurfter

Ore didattica frontale: 60
Ore di laboratorio: 0
Obbligo di frequenza: In accordance with the regulation

Argomenti dell'insegnamento
See the individual course modules

Modalità di insegnamento
Lecture, group works, exercises, discussions

Modalità d'esame
INTER- AND TRANSNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK ATTENDING STUDENTS: Partner work presentations and short paper (written together with parts attributed to single authors) (approx. 5000 words including references) (60%) Integrated oral exam (20%) (official exam date) Active participation in reading and discussion activities (20%) NON ATTENDING STUDENTS: Short Paper (approx. 4000 words including references) (40%) Written test (40%) Integrated oral exam (20%) (official exam date) Non attending students must contact the professor to agree the topic of their paper.

Criteri di valutazione
The partner work presentation and the short paper are intended to support students to develop their competences of addressing, researching and presenting a chosen topic related to the course contents. While the presentations are assessed with regard to both content and the effectiveness of communication, the short papers are additionally evaluated on their use of relevant literature, the critical discussion of the issues addressed, the coherence of structure and clarity of argument, as well as adherence to the conventions of academic writing. The acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI are discussed with the students. The integrated oral exam serves to evaluate knowledge and understanding of the module content as well as to make connections between the two modules of the course.

Bibliografia obbligatoria

see module descriptions




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Obiettivi di sviluppo sostenibile
Questa attività didattica contribuisce al raggiungimento dei seguenti Obiettivi di Sviluppo sostenibile.

1 5 8 10 16

Modules

Semestre 2 · 51080A · Corso di laurea in Servizio sociale · 5CFU · EN

Module A — Servizio sociale inter- e transnazionale

This module explores the development of social work from inter- and transnational perspectives. It examines internationalisation and transnationalisation, colonial and neocolonial legacies, and tensions between global definitions and local practices. Key themes include migration, human rights, inequalities, and cross-border collaboration. Students engage with perspectives from the Global South, indigenous knowledges, and decolonial theory to develop a critical and reflexive understanding of social work in diverse contexts.

Docenti: Urban Nothdurfter

Ore didattica frontale: 30
Ore di laboratorio: 0

Argomenti dell'insegnamento
This module examines the development of social work from an inter- and transnational perspective. It addresses processes of internationalisation, including the emergence of international organisations and professional networks, by addressing the tension between a global understanding and definition of social work and the risks of professional imperialism and epistemic injustices. Applying a transnational lens, the module also critically analyses how global interconnections, power relations, and historical legacies shape the profession and discipline of social work. Students explore the colonial and neocolonial roots of social work and engage with perspectives from the Global South, indigenous knowledges, and decolonial theory. Key themes include migration, human rights, global inequalities and challenges, and cross-border professional collaboration. Through readings, discussions, group work, and reflection, participants develop a critical and reflexive understanding of social work in its diverse cultural and political contexts, challenging dominant narratives and critically engaging with processes of inter- and transnationalisation as well as with borders and bordering practices.

Modalità di insegnamento
Lectures, discussions, group work, and presentations

Bibliografia obbligatoria

Cane, T. C., & Tedam, P. (2023). ‘We didn’t learn enough about racism and anti-racist practice’: Newly qualified social workers’ challenge in wrestling racism. Social Work Education, 42(8), 1563-1585.

Garrett, P. M. (2024). What are we talking about when we are talking about ‘decolonising’ social work? The British Journal of Social Work, 54(5),  2027–2044.

Ioakimidis, V., & Trimikliniotis, N. (2020). Making sense of social work’s troubled past: Professional identity, collective memory and the quest for historical justice. The British Journal of Social Work, 50(6), 1890-1908.

Midgley, J. (2001). Issues in international social work: Resolving critical debates in the profession. Journal of Social Work, 1(1), 21-35.

Nothdurfter, U. & Pedroni, M. C. (in press). Ecosocial Challenges as an Opportunity to Rethink Social Work in a Critical Glocal Perspective. In P. Pentaris & J. Walker (eds.), The Routledge International Handbook of Glocal Social Work. Routledge.

Nothdurfter, U. (2020). Lost in Translations, United in Diversity or Based on Common and Critical Understandings: The Border Region of South Tirol as a Laboratory for European Social Work?. In European Social Work After 1989: East-West Exchanges Between Universal Principles and Cultural Sensitivity (pp. 153-165). Springer International Publishing.

Schrooten, M. (2021). Transnational social work: Challenging and crossing borders and boundaries. Journal of Social Work, 21(5), 1163-1181.

Schrooten, M. (2024). Bringing the transnational into social work. In The Routledge International Handbook of Transnational Studies (pp. 143-154). Routledge.

Selected chapters from the following books:

Bartley, A., & Beddoe, L. (eds.) (2018). Transnational social work: Opportunities and challenges of a global profession. Policy Press.

Cox, D., & Pawar, M. S. (2006). International social work: Issues, strategies, and programs. SAGE.

Healy, L. M. & Thomas, R. L. (2020). International social work: Professional action in an interdependent world. Oxford University Press, 3rd edition.

Healy, L. M., & Link, R. J. (Eds.). (2011). Handbook of international social work: Human rights, development, and the global profession. Oxford University Press.

Hugman, R. (2010). Understanding international social work: A critical analysis. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Kessl, F., Lorenz, W., Otto, H. U., & White, S. (eds.). (2019). European social work–A compendium. Verlag Barbara Budrich.

Negi, N. J., & Furman, R. (eds.). (2010). Transnational social work practice. Columbia University Press.

Further working literature can be provided during the course.



Semestre 2 · 51080B · Corso di laurea in Servizio sociale · 5CFU · DE

Module B — Storia del servizio sociale

The course provides an overview of the history of social work from its pre-modern predecessors to the present day. Both the local and national context as well as a European (and international) perspective are taken into account. Special emphasis is placed on the socio-historical development of social work as a profession in the context of social and socio-political development. Against this background, the life and work of selected pioneers of social work are discussed and their significance for the establishment of traditional lines in the development of the profession and its methods is demonstrated.

Docenti: Urban Nothdurfter

Ore didattica frontale: 30
Ore di laboratorio: 0

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