Knowledge and Understanding:

After successfully completing the module courses, students will be able to understand various theoretical perspectives in the social sciences and empirical research approaches.

Use, Application, and Generation of Knowledge:

Quantitative and qualitative empirical studies can be interpreted with a critical eye toward methodology, and scientific findings can be evaluated as a basis for practical action in social work . Basic knowledge of scientific work can be applied in students’ own academic practice. The goal is for students to be able to analyze empirical studies and competently apply the fundamentals of scientific work.

Communication and cooperation; scholarly self-concept / professionalism:

Fundamentals of Empirical Research Methods and Scientific Work

Seminar

Lecture or seminar-style course: Presentation by the lecturer followed by a discussion.

Formal: none

The module exam consists of a written exam in which students are expected to demonstrate basic knowledge of scientific thinking and research, as well as empirical research methods. In addition, they should be able to transfer and apply this knowledge to simple applications in the areas of research, citation, and the understanding of scholarly sources, as well as the understanding and reflection on empirical studies.

The written exam assesses the extent to which students have developed a fundamental understanding of scholarly knowledge and the nature of how knowledge is acquired, and to what extent they are able to apply this knowledge to practical scenarios involving source research, the selection of sources, and the proper handling of scholarly knowledge. In addition, the exam assesses the extent to which students have grasped fundamental concepts of empirical research (qualitative and quantitative methods) and can apply them to simple comprehension and reflection questions regarding practical applications in empirical studies.

1 credit from the “Practical Work” subarea

Academic achievements are assessed in the modules through participation in discussions, delivering short presentations or facilitating sessions, completing and submitting practice assignments, preparing meeting minutes, providing peer feedback, participating in group work during seminars, writing short reports, creating artistic contributions, giving poster presentations, and compiling reading lists.

The respective workload should not exceed two hours. The form of coursework is determined in the seminars by the responsible lecturers.

1. Berger-Grabner, D. (2022). Wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten in den Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften. Hilfreiche Tipps und praktische Beispiele (4., überarbeitete und erweiterte Auflage). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-39586-5
2. Döring, N. (Hrsg.). (2023). Forschungsmethoden und Evaluation in den Sozial- und Humanwissenschaften (6. vollständig überarbeitete, aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-64762-2
3. Hussy, W., Schreier, M. & Echterhoff, G. (2013). Forschungsmethoden in Psychologie und Sozialwissenschaften für Bachelor (2., überarbeitete Auflage). Springer. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-34362-9
4. Voss, R. (2020). Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten. … leicht verständlich! (7., überarbeitete Auflage). UVK. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838587745

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Students can identify the fundamentals of social work and its theoretical foundations.
• Students can present introductory knowledge regarding organizational forms and institutions in social work as well as their corresponding historical development.
• Students are familiar with selected fields of work and practice.

Application, Use, and Generation of Knowledge:

• Students are able to distinguish between individual fields of practice and methods.
• Students have the ability to develop an academic presentation of fields of practice and methods.
• Students can critically evaluate the structure, theories, and concepts of social work, as well as its fields of practice and organizations.

• Students are interested in the academic examination of topics related, among other things, to the fields of work and practice as well as methods of social work.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism:

• Students possess knowledge of methodological competencies as well as key social, communicative, and personal competencies for professional practice.
• Students develop an initial personal engagement with and understanding of social work as a profession.
• Students explore professional identity and professional attitudes.

Areas of Practice in Social Work and Their Organizations, as well as History

• Fields of Practice, Professional Theories, and contexts of practice in social work, taking into account societal and social change, and the history of the respective fields of practice

Methods of social work

• Theoretically grounded methods of social work for cooperative process design with clients for organizational development as well as for professional self-reflection
• Methodological approaches to professional understanding, development, and change.

Action, social, and self-competencies

• Exercises in communication and conversation skills
• Foundations for a systemic understanding, as well as resource- and solution-oriented action competencies
• Reflection on value-based and ethical action
• Exploring empathy and the ability to set boundaries
• Exploring options for crisis and conflict management
• Designing and developing a self-management plan

Formal: none

The module exam is a written assignment.

In the term paper, students discuss fields of practice and methods of social work, are able to contextualize them theoretically, and critically evaluate them in relation to process design with service recipients as well as organizational development. On this basis, students develop professional sense of professional self-confidence.

1 SL in the subfield “Methods of Social Work”

1 SL in the subfield “Action, Social, and Personal Competencies”

Academic achievements are assessed in the modules through participation in discussions, delivering short presentations or facilitating sessions, completing and submitting assignments, preparing meeting minutes, providing peer feedback, participating in group work during seminars, writing short reports, creating artistic contributions, giving poster presentations, and compiling reading lists.

The respective workload should not exceed two hours. The form of the academic achievement is determined in the seminars by the responsible lecturers .

• Galuske, M. (2013). Methoden der Sozialen Arbeit (10. Auflage). Beltz Juventa.
• Otto, H.-U., Thiersch, H., Treptow, R. & Ziegler, H. (Hrsg.). (2018). Handbuch Soziale Arbeit. Grundlagen der Sozialarbeit und Sozialpädagogik (6. überarbeitete Auflage). Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
• Spiegel, H. v. (2021). Methodisches Handeln in der Sozialen Arbeit. Grundlagen und Arbeitshilfen für die Praxis (7. Auflage). Ernst Reinhard Verlag. https://doi.org/ 10.36198/9783838587462
• Thole, W. (Hrsg.). (2012). Grundriss Soziale Arbeit. Ein einführendes Handbuch (4. Auflage). VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-94311-4

Knowledge and Understanding; Use, Application, and Generation of Knowledge:

Upon successful completion of the courses in this module, students will be able to identify fundamental sociological and political science approaches and describe their significance for social work.

Sociology Component

Students understand the relationship between social structures and social change, social problems and social work; they are proficient in relevant theories regarding social science analyses of contemporary society and are familiar with selected sociological theories and concepts. They are able to engage with specific sociological questions and explanatory approaches related to fields of social work and to evaluate them.

Political Science Component

Fundamentals of Sociology, in particular

• Basic sociological concepts
• Theories and analyses of society
• Social problems and conflicts

Fundamentals of Political Science, in particular

• Political structures (democracy, the Basic Law), political institutions (parliament, government, administration, judiciary), political action (actors and forms of participation) at the federal, state, and local levels
• Fundamental discourses on the political mandates of social work within the framework of a democratic constitutional state
• Basic knowledge of anti-democratic and authoritarian political systems and their effects on the clients and practice of social work

Sociology – theory and empirical research in applied contexts, e.g.,

• Social structure analysis and social inequality, life situations and life stages, migration and integration, social space, education and work, technology, social change, lines of social conflict, and the impact on social work

Political Science – Applications in social and local politics, e.g.,

• The emergence and function of the welfare state; social security systems; problems of the welfare state; social policy and social work; local government structure and policy, the development of democracy and threats to it

Formal: none

The module exam consists of a written exam in which students are expected to demonstrate the fundamental knowledge they have acquired in all four submodules. They are expected to demonstrate that they have understood the theories and concepts covered and can apply them to practical questions and problem areas (e.g., case studies).

1. Borstel, D. & Fischer, U. (2018). Politisches Grundwissen für die Soziale Arbeit. Kohlhammer.
   
2. Kopp, J. & Steinbach, A. (Hrsg.). (2018). Grundbegriffe der Soziologie. Springer VS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-20978-0

Knowledge and Understanding:

Students recognize the relevance of cultural-aesthetic approaches to societal and social phenomena and practices. They can perceive, describe, and critically reflect on the contexts of interpersonal interaction and social work by incorporating cultural studies perspectives. In addition, they are able to research, reflect on, practices in the context of social work, to conceptualize them, and to justify their significance.

Use, Application, and Generation of Knowledge:

Students have acquired the theoretical and practical foundations and competencies of artistic and cultural practice, which enable them to apply or provide guidance with a media-analytical, creative, and artistic approaches, e.g., in working with media such as music, visual arts, performance and theater, dance, photography and film, literature, etc. In doing so, they can realistically assess the potential applications and their effects.

They are able to identify processes of disadvantage and exclusion in various areas of cultural life and develop artistic and media-oriented approaches to address them.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism:

Introduction to Cultural Studies and Cultural Work

Cultural studies approaches, methods, and concepts related to cultural work are taught using examples drawn from practical reflection . Selected media-related topics (e.g., visual arts, media, music, theater) are explained and explored in depth. The courses can be supplemented and expanded through field trips, allowing students to get to know cultural venues and institutions (museums, theaters, media organizations, cultural centers, etc.) . Likewise, social-space-oriented research on cultural work and aesthetic research experiments are possible in order to explore connections between theory and practice and to analyze students’ own aesthetic perceptions. The relevance, opportunities, and challenges of cultural studies perspectives and cultural work are thus demonstrated and updated in a practice-oriented manner.

In-depth exploration of cultural and aesthetic practice

Formal: None

Two partial exams in the form of two portfolio exams are scheduled.

• Subfield “Introduction to Cultural Studies and Cultural Work”

(conducted throughout the semester) In this exam, students demonstrate fundamental knowledge of cultural studies concepts and theories of social cultural work and show that they are able to independently research practical examples and design approaches , describe them adequately, and analyze them comparatively. The exam consists of a portfolio exam that combines research on a topic or subject in the field of cultural studies and cultural work with a reflection on theory and practice, followed by a presentation or a (group) presentation (30 minutes each) and a written paper (at least 3,000 words). Half of the exam (= 6 ECTS) counts toward the overall exam grade.

• Subfield “Advanced Study in Cultural and Aesthetic Practice”

Passing the submodule exam in the subfield “Introduction to Cultural Studies and Cultural Work”

1. Brandstätter, U. (2008). Grundfragen der Ästhetik: Bild - Musik - Sprache - Körper. UTB. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838530840
2. Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission (n.d.). Unesco-Leitfaden für kulturelle Bildung. https://www.unesco.de/themen/kultur/kulturelle-bildung/rahmenwerk-kulturelle-bildung/
3. Hammerschmidt, P., Steindorff-Classen, C. & Stecklina, G. (Hrsg.). (2024). Kulturelle Bildung und Soziale Arbeit. Juventa Verlag.
4. Hinz, M., Kranixfeld, M., Köhler, N. & Scheurle, C. (Hrsg.). (2020). Forschendes Theater in Sozialen Feldern. Theater als Soziale Kunst III. kopaed.
5. Köhler, N., Scheurle, C. & Hinz, M (Hrsg.). (2020). BIOGRAFIEren auf der Bühne. Kopaed.
6. Kulturelle Bildung Online (n.d.). Homepage. www.kubi-online.de
7. Meis, M.-S. & Mies, G.-A. (Hrsg.) (2018). Künstlerisch-ästhetische Methoden in der Sozialen Arbeit: Kunst, Musik, Theater, Tanz und digitale Medien (2., aktualisierte Auflage). Kohlhammer Verlag.
8. Scheurle, C., Hinz, M. & Köhler, N. (Hrsg.). (2017). PARTIZIPATION: teilhaben/teilnehmen: Theater als Soziale Kunst II. Kopaed.
9. Weiß, G. (Hrsg.). (2017). Kulturelle Bildung - Bildende Kultur (1-4). transcript.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Upon successful completion of the module courses, students will have become familiar with the structure of various legal constructs and will understand their logic and systematic organization. On this basis, students are able to independently research legal sources, apply the systematic framework they have learned, and thereby independently grasp the content of relevant legal norms that are new to them.

Application, Use, and Generation of Knowledge:

Formal: none

Two partial exams in the form of two written exams are scheduled.

• Subfield “Law and Administration—Fundamentals”
• Duration: 1 hour (counts for 1/3 of the overall module grade)
• Subfield “Law and Public Administration—Advanced Topics and Applications”
• Duration: 2 hours (accounts for 2/3 of the overall module grade)

Passing the submodule exam in the subfield “Law and Public Administration – Fundamentals”

1. Cornel, H. & Trenczek, T. (2024). Strafrecht und Soziale Arbeit. Ein Lehrbuch (2. Auflage). Nomos. https://doi.org/10.5771/9783845297521
2. Frings, D. & Schweigler, D. (2021). Sozialrecht für die Soziale Arbeit (Grundwissen Soziale Arbeit, Band 4; 5., überarbeitete Auflage). Kohlhammer.
3. Kunkel, P.-C. (2025). Jugendhilferecht: systematische Darstellung für Studium und Praxis (11. Auflage). Nomos.
4. Außerdem werden aktuelle Gesetzessammlungen als Hilfsmittel benötigt. Empfehlenswert ist zum Beispiel: Gesetze für die Soziale Arbeit. Nomos. - in aktueller Fassung
   

Knowledge and Understanding:

Introduction to the Field of Social Work

Providing an overview of the field of social work as well as an overview of social work theories.

Theories of Social Work

Formal: none

The module exam is a written exam.

The exam consists of independently writing an academic paper based on theories of social work. In doing so, students must adhere to the requirements for academic writing as well as the exam requirements applicable to the module. These will be announced in the corresponding courses. As part of the written exam, students present two theories of social work of their own choosing. They then analyze their similarities and differences using a case, a situation, or an institution. The for the analysis will be specified in the written exam . From these options, students select a basis for their analysis.

Students may use up to six literature sources, a printed bibliography—that is, full citations of the six sources they have brought with them—and two A4 sheets containing verbatim quotations from the six sources they have brought with them. The bibliography and the collection of quotations must be labeled with the student’s name, student ID number, and the name of the examiner and must be turned in at the end of the exam along with the exam answer sheets used.

Duration: 4 hours

1 SL in the subfield “Introduction to the Science of Social Work”

1 SL in the subfield “Theories of Social Work”

Coursework is completed in the modules through participation in discussions, delivering short presentations or facilitating sessions, completing and submitting assignments, preparing meeting minutes, providing peer feedback, and contributing in group work during seminars, short reports, artistic contributions, poster presentations, and the preparation of reading lists.

The respective workload should not exceed two hours. The form of the coursework is determined in the seminars by the responsible lecturers .

The two coursework assignments serve to develop the fundamentals and to engage in reflective self-assessment of one’s own understanding of these fundamentals for a final term paper, in which conclusions are drawn, applied, and formulated independently.

• Hammerschmidt, P., Aner, K. & Weber, S. (2017). Zeitgenössische Theorien Sozialer Arbeit. Beltz Juventa.
• Otto, H.-U., Thiersch, H., Treptow, R. & Ziegler, H. (Hrsg.). (2018). Handbuch Soziale Arbeit. Grundlagen der Sozialarbeit und Sozialpädagogik (6. überarbeitete Auflage). Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
• Pothmann, J. & Schmidt, H. (2022). Soziale Arbeit - die Organisationen und Institutionen (Soziale Arbeit - Grundlagen, Band 3). Verlag Barbara Budrich. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838547800
• Sandermann, P. & Neumann, S. (2018). Grundkurs Theorien der Sozialen Arbeit. Ernst Reinhardt Verlag. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838549484
• Thole, W. (Hrsg.). (2012). Grundriss Soziale Arbeit. Ein einführendes Handbuch (4. Auflage). VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-94311-4
  

Knowledge and Understanding; Use, Application, and Generation of Knowledge:

Upon successful completion of the module, students will have developed the ability to describe educational and ethical principles and theories , to transfer them to the practical level of social pedagogy and social work, and to apply them to relevant problems.

Communication and Cooperation:

Students can articulate their knowledge of educational science and ethical considerations and communicate them persuasively. They are able to critically reflect on their own values, beliefs, and professional conduct in social work.

Academic Understanding / Professionalism:

Fundamentals of Educational Science

This introductory lecture provides an overview of the basic concepts, principles, structures, and theories of educational science. Students students gain an overview of theories of upbringing, education, socialization, learning, and pedagogical practice. The topic of norms and values is outlined.

Fundamentals of Ethics

The introductory ethics seminars provide an introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and arguments of social work ethics, as reflected in the professional ethics of social work. Students gain insight, in particular, into the concepts of human dignity, self-determination, care, justice, and responsibility, as well as into the associated ethical arguments and challenges for practice. Upon completion of the seminars on the fundamentals of ethics, students are able to understand and analyze ethical challenges in social work practice based on the ethical concepts covered as well as the professional ethics of social work, and to critically reflect on their own judgments in light of these concepts.

Applications in Educational Science

Formal: none

Exam Formats

The module exam consists of an oral exam in the form of a professional discussion. In the exam, students demonstrate that they are able to trace, communicate, and thoughtfully apply educational and ethical concepts and arguments in the form of theses open to discussion to the field of social work.

For the exam, students independently prepare a handout containing selected content from the courses in the following subfields:

• “Fundamentals of Educational Science” and “Fundamentals of Ethics”
• or
• “Applications of Ethics” and “Applications of Educational Science.”

Based on the selected content, students describe in the exam basic concepts, principles, structures, theories, and applications of educational science, as well as fundamental positions and concepts in ethics and their application. Students are able to discuss these topics and draw connections to social work.

1 credit in the subfield “Educational Applications and Ethical Applications”

Academic achievements are assessed in the modules through participation in discussions, delivering short presentations or moderating sessions, completing and submitting practice assignments, preparing meeting minutes, providing peer feedback, participating in group work during seminars, writing short reports, creating artistic contributions, poster presentations, and the preparation of reading lists.

The respective workload should not exceed two hours. The form of the coursework is determined in the seminars by the responsible lecturers.

This coursework serves to prepare students for the thesis paper to be submitted and to familiarize them with the format of an oral exam.

Erziehungswissenschaftliche Grundlagen

1. Bernhard, A. (2017). Pädagogisches Denken. Einführung in allgemeine Grundlagen der Erziehungs- und Bildungswissenschaft. Schneider Verlag Hohengehren.
2. Krüger, H.-H. & Helsper, W. (Hrsg.). (2010). Einführung in die Grundbegriffe und Grundlagen der Erziehungswissenschaften (9. Auflage). Verlag Barbara Budrich. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838580920
3. Spies, A. & Stecklina, G. (2015). Pädagogik: Studienbuch für pädagogische und soziale Berufe. Ernst Reinhardt Verlag. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838586441
4. Trabandt, S. & Wagner, H.-J. (2023). Pädagogisches Grundwissen für das Studium der Sozialen Arbeit. Ein Kompendium (2., überarbeitete Auflage). Verlag Barbara Budrich. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838559803

Ethik Grundlagen

1. Deutscher Berufsverband für Soziale Arbeit e.V. (2014). Berufsethik des DBSH. Ethik und Werte. Forum Sozial, 20(4). https://www.dbsh.de/media/dbsh-www/redaktionell/pdf/Sozialpolitik/DBSH-Berufsethik-2015-02-08.pdf
2. International Federation of Social Workers (2018). Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles. https://www.ifsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Global-Social-Work-Statement-of-Ethical-Principles-IASSW-27-April-2018-1.pdf
3. Maaser, W. (2015). Lehrbuch Ethik (2., überarbeitete Auflage). Beltz.
4. Neuhäuser, C., Raters, M.-L. & Stoecker, R. (Hrsg.). (2023). Handbuch Angewandte Ethik (2., aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage). J.B. Metzler. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-476-05869-0.

Anwendungsseminare

Knowledge and Understanding:

Upon successful completion, students will have acquired analytical, reflective, and practical skills to prepare them for their practicum semester.
They have developed the ability to assess the requirements, complexity, and interrelationships of professional practice in order to become capable of acting effectively in the context of their future role as interns.
They can analyze and understand the organization and concepts of professional fields.

Use, application, and generation of knowledge:

They are able to assess the formal aspects and areas of responsibility associated with the intern role.
You can professionally analyze the life situations of future audiences.
You have acquired in-depth and advanced knowledge of methods and techniques and can apply them.

Communication and Cooperation:

You are familiar with the characteristics and forms of teamwork and already apply them when preparing for exams in groups.

Academic Self-Conception/Professionalism:

Selected Methods

Field-specific and cross-disciplinary concepts and methods (e.g., networking, case management, social group work, systemic solution-focused counseling approach, questioning techniques and interventions, counseling and counseling psychology, working with young people experiencing mental health challenges, methodical practice within the ASD of the Youth Welfare Office).

Field-Specific and Cross-Cutting Concepts and Methods

Missions and Guiding Principles of Social Work, Organizational Structures, Professional Framework Conditions and organizational cultures, institutional analyses, work processes, methods and procedures in practice, forms of documentation, reporting, evaluation procedures, elements of quality management, teamwork, function and significance of practical supervision, communication and conflict models, contextual sensitivity, cooperation strategies, conflict resolution skills, dealing with stress and borderline situations, regulating proximity and distance, self-criticism skills, judgment, formal and legal aspects of the clinical semester, handling responsibility, identifying one’s own strengths and areas for development, and developing professional and personal learning goals.

Formal: none

Performance assessment in courses offered by the subfield “Practice-Oriented and Interdisciplinary Concepts and Methods” (groups of 5 ± 1 students)

The performance exam includes theoretical and practical components.

1 credit in the subfield “Selected Methods”

Academic performance is assessed in the modules based on participation in discussions, delivering short presentations or facilitating sessions, completing and submitting exercises, preparing meeting minutes, providing peer feedback, participating in group work during the seminar, writing short reports, creating artistic contributions, giving poster presentations, and compiling reading lists.

1. Aner, K. & Hammerschmidt, P. (2018). Handlungsfelder und Organisationen der Sozialen Ar­beit. Eine Einführung. Springer VS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-20564-5
2. Galuske, M. (2013). Methoden der Sozialen Arbeit (10. Auflage). Beltz Juventa.
3. Graßhoff, G., Renker, A. & Schröer, W. (2018). Soziale Arbeit. Eine elementare Einführung. Springer VS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-15666-4
4. Heiner, M. (2023). Kompetent handeln in der Sozialen Arbeit. Handlungskompetenzen in der Sozialen Arbeit (4. Auflage). Ernst Reinhardt Verlag.
5. Maus, F., Nodes, W. & Röh, D. (2013). Schlüsselkompetenzen in der Sozialen Arbeit für Tä­tigkeitsfelder Sozialarbeit und Sozialpädagogik (4. Auflage). Wochenschau Verlag.
6. Spiegel, H. v. (2021). Methodisches Handeln in der Sozialen Arbeit (7. Auflage). UTB Verlag

Knowledge and Understanding:

Students can outline the fundamentals of developmental and social psychology as well as the fundamentals of psychological assessment. They can describe the risks of mental development and appropriate forms of intervention. They can explain the fundamentals of epidemiology, the social security system, and institutions providing outpatient and inpatient counseling and care, as well as how these institutions function.

Application and Generation of Knowledge:

Students can recognize common psychopathological symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults and respond appropriately. They are capable of assessing, comparing, and critiquing empirical research findings, as well as transforming them into practical, educational action. They can develop solutions to professional challenges.

Scientific Self-Conception / Professionalism:

Psychology and Medicine Fundamentals

Developmental, Social, and Health Psychology as well as Social Medicine and Public Health

Psychology and Medicine Applications

Formal: none

The module exam consists of a written exam in which students demonstrate and recall fundamental knowledge of psychology and medicine. In addition, they should be able to demonstrate nuanced, in-depth knowledge in a specialized field of their choice and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios (e.g., case studies).

The written exam consists of a general, interdisciplinary section and an advanced section.

1 credit in one of the respective introductory courses (either “Fundamentals & Applications 1” or “Fundamentals & Applications 2”)

Academic achievements are demonstrated in the modules through participation in discussions, delivering short presentations or facilitating sessions, completing and submitting exercise assignments, preparing meeting minutes, providing peer feedback, and contributing in group work during the seminar, short reports, artistic contributions, poster presentations, and the preparation of reading lists.

The respective workload should not exceed two hours of time. The form of the coursework is determined in the seminars by the responsible lecturers.

The coursework serves as preparation for the module exam.

• Aronson, E., Wilson, T.D. & Sommers, S.R. (2023). Sozialpsychologie (10., aktualisierte Auflage). Pearson.
• Asbrand, J. & Schmitz, J. (Hrsg.). (2023). Lehrbuch Klinische Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie und Psychotherapie. Kohlhammer. https://doi.org/10.17433/978-3-17-040355-0
• Egger, M., Razum, O. & Rieder, A. (Hrsg.). (2021). Public Health Kompakt (4. Auflage). De Gruyter. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110673708

• Hoyer, J. & Knappe, S. (Hrsg.). (2020). Klinische Psychologie & Psychotherapie (3. Auflage). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-61814-1
• Lohaus, A., Vierhaus, M. & Lemola, S. (2024). Entwicklungspsychologie des Kindes- und Jugendalters für Bachelor. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-69370-4
• Rentzsch, K. & Schütz, A. (2022). Psychologische Diagnostik. Grundlagen und Anwendungsperspektiven (2., überarbeitete Auflage). Kohlhammer. https://doi.org/10.17433/978-3-17-039485-8
• Schwartz, F.W., Walter, U., Siegrist, J., Kolip, P., Leidl, R., Busse, R., Amelung, V. & Dierks, M.-L. (Hrsg.). (2022). Public Health. Gesundheit und Gesundheitswesen (4. Auflage). Elsevier Urban & Fischer Verlag.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Through participation in the internship and the accompanying seminar, students are enabled to participate in a professional in the accompanying seminar, to articulate the insights and experiences gained from the internship, to critically examine them, and to bring them up for discussion. Complex professional practice can be systematically analyzed . Students are able to reflect on their personal suitability for the field of work or profession. The ability to reflect on their own understanding of the profession is developed.

Application, use, and generation of knowledge:

Students have acquired the ability to assess the situation, needs, and inherent strengths of clients. They have acquired subject-specific, methodological, and communication skills relevant to working with clients.

Communication and cooperation:

They can describe and analyze everyday work in their chosen field of practice and understand the sociopolitical context. They are able to apply, make full use of, and improve legal and institutional resources. Students can plan and carry out professional activities and reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses in their work.

Academic Self-Concept / Professionalism:

Internship

Assessing the knowledge and skills acquired during one’s studies and applying them to professional practice (theory-to-practice transfer), gaining one’s own professional experience in respective field of work, testing approaches to social work, legal and economic framework conditions of the practicum site, process flows in social work practice, development of field-specific and specialized knowledge

Accompanying Seminar

Formal: at least 48 CP from the first stage of study (Semesters 1–3)

Two ungraded partial exams are scheduled.

• Sub-area “Internship”
• Sub-area “Accompanying Seminar”

Successful completion of the internship is verified by a certificate from the internship site.

Passing the submodule exam in the “Internship” section

Passing the submodule exam in the “Accompanying Seminar” section

Proof of attendance (mandatory attendance) in the internship and the accompanying seminar (in accordance with §2 SobAG NRW).

Mandatory attendance

Active participation in the courses of Module K10 is required, as the intended learning outcomes—in particular the ability to critically reflect on academic content, to engage in argumentative in plenary sessions, and for the cooperative development of solutions— can only be achieved through continuous attendance and participation in discussions and group work.

To this end, attendance of at least 80% of the course hours is required.

Exceptions

In the event of illness or other important, documented reasons, exceptions to the minimum attendance requirement may be approved upon an informal request by the instructor in charge.

Legal Consequences

• Kriener, M., Roth, A., Burkhard, S. & Gabler, H. (Hrsg.). (2021). Praxisphasen im Studium Soziale Arbeit. Beltz.
• Marona-Glock, K. & Höhl-Spenceley, U. (2012). Praxisanleitung - Anleiter/-Innen-Qualifikation in sozialpädagogischen Berufen (2. Auflage). Cornelsen.

• Sachse, R. (2019). Persönlichkeitsstile: Wie man sich selbst und anderen auf die Schliche kommt. Junfermann Verlag.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Students have acquired in-depth and expanded competencies in theory, research, and practice in areas of knowledge relevant to social work and have critically reflected upon.

Use, Application, and Generation of Knowledge:

Students can scientifically evaluate developments in fields of practice within social work as well as in societal context, and can develop and apply practical solutions in line with the current state of research.

Communication and Cooperation:

Students are able to formulate professional arguments in discourses, justify them theoretically and methodologically, and understand different perspectives in collaboration with professional representatives and target audiences, and integrate them in a solution-oriented manner.

Academic Self-Conception/Professionalism:
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​Students have further developed their professional self-image with the help of theoretical and methodological knowledge; they can assess their own subject-specific skillsand contextualize them in light of professional and societal expectations and consequences.

Discourses in social work science in theory and research, in particular

• theories in social work (e.g., lifeworld orientation, social space orientation, eco-social theories),
• theories from the social and behavioral sciences (e.g., theories of action, communication, and society),
• research methods (e.g., reconstructive research methods, evaluation, practice-based research).

Target group-specific content, in particular

• age groups (e.g., children, adolescents, older adults),
• groups with special needs (e.g., the long-term unemployed, offenders, people with mental illness),
• groups in pluralistic societies (e.g., people with a migration background, refugees, people with disabilities).

Framework conditions for social work, in particular

• institutional framework (e.g., organization and management, funding, quality development, public relations),
• legal framework (e.g., labor law, liability law),

Lectures, case studies, role-playing, hands-on exercises, presentations, individual work, group work, research assignments, field trips, educational videos

Each of the three sub-areas is concluded with a competency-based (possibly in-semester) partial exam, each of which accounts for one-third of the overall grade.

Lecturers will provide information about the planned exam format in the course description. Possible exam formats include:

• Written exam
• Duration: 1 hour
• Term paper
• Length: 8–10 pages
• Presentation with written component (position paper or essay)
• Duration: 10 minutes and 1–5 pages
• Oral exam

Passing the submodule exam in the subfield “Discourses in Social Work Science in Theory and Research, in particular: Theories of Social Work Science”

Passing the submodule exam in the subfield “Target Group-Specific Content”

1. Braches-Chyrek, R. & Sünker, H. (Hrsg.). (2024). Soziale Arbeit in guter Gesellschaft. Springer Fachmedien. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-43371-0
2. Friele, B., Kart, M., Kergel, D., Rieger, J., Schomers, B., Sen, K., Staats, M. & Trotzke, P. (Hrsg.). (2023). Soziale Arbeit und gesellschaftliche Transformation zwischen Exklusion und Inklusion: Analysen und Perspektiven. Springer Fachmedien. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-41471-9
3. Schmidtke, B., Kolbinger, M. L. & Molzbichler, D. (Hrsg.). (2024). Sozial - Innovativ - Nachhaltig: Herausforderungen und Perspektiven für die Sozialwirtschaft. Springer Fachmedien. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-42847-1
   

Knowledge and Understanding:

Based on theoretical and practical reflection, students have the ability to identify the processes and methods required for the respective task and to plan and manage them in a goal- and solution-oriented manner. They are able to carry out the resulting work both individually and in teams .

Application, Use, and Generation of Knowledge:

Students can selectively draw on knowledge from various academic disciplines to identify and analyze individual and societal needs. Based on their knowledge and understanding, they are able to derive tasks for addressing a problem.

Academic Self-Conception/Professionalism:

The project phase, which formally lasts two semesters, takes place either as part of teaching-research projects or in supervised practical projects addressing various issues, target groups, and/or fields of social work. The module includes:

• Introduction and Theory: Professional knowledge regarding the individual and societal contextual factors relevant to the project, as well as needs assessments.

Formal requirements: at least 108 ECTS from the first and second cycles of study.
To be admitted to the module exam, 78 ECTS from modules K01 through K09 and 30 ECTS from module K10 are required.

The module exam is a project-based assignment (in accordance with § 26 StgPO) and generally includes regular attendance in the courses associated with the respective course, the completion of tasks within the project, as well as examination components determined and announced by the lecturer at the beginning of the semester.

The module exam is competency-based and assesses whether the knowledge already acquired from the practice and theory of social work can be applied within the framework of a specific project. It consists of this practical application as well as an oral (presentation) component with a total examination duration of 60 minutes and a written component (see § 26 StgPO). The written portion comprises a project description with a reflective section totaling 18–20 pages.

Regular participation (in accordance with § 26 StgPO), planning and implementation of a project, and the written documentation of the project.

Mandatory attendance
Active participation in the courses of Module K12 is required, as the intended learning outcomes—in particular, the ability to critically reflect on academic content, to engage in reasoned discussion in class, and to collaboratively develop solutions— can only be achieved through continuous attendance and participation in discussions and group work.
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To this end, attendance of at least 80% of the course hours is required.

Exceptions
In the event of illness or other important, documented reasons, exceptions to the minimum attendance requirement may be approved upon an informal request by the instructor in charge.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Upon successful completion of the module, students will have developed a solid understanding of the theoretical foundations and concepts of social work. They are able to analyze complex social situations and identify the relevant factors that influence practice. In doing so, they draw on national and international developments.

Application, Use, and Generation of Knowledge:

Students possess a nuanced analytical and methodological repertoire of approaches that they can apply in a situation- and context-specific manner. They are able to plan, justify, and carry out actions in an impact-oriented manner. In addition, they can evaluate the results of their actions and make adjustments as necessary.

Communication and Cooperation:

Students have further developed their communication and cooperation skills. They can interact effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals to collaboratively develop solutions to complex problems. Their professional identity enables them to work in interdisciplinary teams and integrate different perspectives.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism:

This module provides an in-depth examination of practical applications in social work. The content is designed to prepare students for professional practice. Students will acquire the following competencies:

1. Organization and Management

Students learn to understand organizational structures and develop management skills .

2. Administration and Legal Practice

The curriculum includes in-depth study of the administrative, managerial, and legal foundations of social work, including legal case studies.

3. Practical Methods

Students are trained in various practical methods, including:

• Case study work
• Service planning
• Concept development
• Project planning
• Organizational development
• Supervision
• Reconstructive, case-analytical, interactionist methods
• Use of artificial intelligence for the profession and the clients
• Approaches to counseling, coaching, mediation, crisis intervention, and case management

4. Self- and Other-Reflective Competencies

Students develop skills in self- and other-reflection that are professionalization and quality development in social work are indispensable.

5. Artistic practical skills

The curriculum also includes funding for the promotion of artistic competencies that can be applied in social work to enhance self-reflection, enrich professional practice, or to develop creative solutions.

6. Ethical Judgment Skills

Students engage with ethical issues in order to acquire the competencies that are essential for problem-solving in social work .

Formal requirements: at least 108 ECTS from the first and second cycles of study.
To be admitted to the module exam, 78 ECTS from modules K01 through K09 and 30 ECTS from module K10 are required.

A portfolio assessment is planned as the module exam.

In the portfolio assessment, students undertake three to four tasks that relate to reflective, practical, and theoretical analyses. They learn to connect these and explore them in depth.

Components of a portfolio exam (see § 29, para. 3 StgPO):

Presentation (15 minutes), a presentation or a poster, etc., and a written paper (5–8 pages) (total length equivalent to a 15-page term paper).

1. Thimm, K. (2020). Methoden der Sozialen Arbeit an der Hochschule lehren und lernen: beraten und Hilfe gestalten. Beltz Juventa.
2. Wendt, P.-U. (2021). Lehrbuch Methoden der Sozialen Arbeit (3. Auflage). Beltz Juventa.

Application, Use, and Generation of Knowledge:

As part of this module, students write their final thesis. To this end, they have mastered all substantive and formal requirements, and their time management is geared toward completion of the bachelor’s thesis. Within the specified timeframe, students are able to independently address a topic from the field of social work based on scientific methods and critically reflect on it.

Communication and Cooperation:

The module is completed with a non-graded exam in the BA Accompaniment/Preparatory Seminar, the written bachelor’s thesis, and the oral colloquium (30 minutes)

1. Eco, U. & Schlick, W. (2010). Wie man eine wissenschaftliche Abschlussarbeit schreibt. (13. Auflage). Facultas/UTB. https://doi.org/10.36198/9783838553771
2. Hartung-Beck, V., König, A. & Wühr, B. (2025). Hinweise für die Anfertigung von schriftlichen wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten: Formatierung und Gliederung. Fachbereich Angewandte Sozialwissenschaften an der Fachhochschule Dortmund.
3. Kotthaus, J. (2014). FAQ Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten. Für Studierende der Sozialen Arbeit. Verlag Barbara Budrich.
4. Wühr, B., Hartung-Beck, V. & König, A. (2025). Hinweise für die Anfertigung von schriftlichen wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten: Zitation. Fachbereich Angewandte Sozialwissenschaften an der Fachhochschule Dortmund.