Civic Activities and Youth Work

The Degree Programme in Civic Activities and Youth Work offers long-term courses in English in the field of adventure education and social inclusion.

During the academic year 2010-2011, Erasmus exchange students can complete up to 55 ECTS of studies within the degree programme. The courses are offered on two campuses: Tornio and Nurmijärvi.

The objective of the Degree Programme in Civic Activities and Youth work is to produce wide-ranging experts on human connections into the areas of organisations, youth work, and leisure activities. Central aspects are the development of the third sector and free civic activities, recognition and prevention of the marginalisation processes, and the production of different leisure services.

  • Admission criteria: Enrolment in Erasmus programme
  • Fees: None. But transportation to different learning environments will be student’s responsibility.
  • Accomodation: Campus dormitories 129€ - 250€ per month
  • Application Deadline: November 15th 2010

Further Information and applications

Minor in Adventure Education Course
Maria Kontinen, HUMAK/Tornio Campus,
Kivirannantie 13 -15, FI-95410 Tornio, Finland
Tel: +358 20 7621 288, maria [dot] kontinen [at] humak [dot] fi

Young people and social inclusion
Tarja Kuula, HUMAK/Nurmijärvi Campus,
Kotorannantie 49, FI- 05250 Kiljava, Finland
Tel: +358 20 7621 254, tarja [dot] kuula [at] humak [dot] fi

Courses

Spring Term 2011

Young People and Social Inclusion (30 ECTS)

Study period: January 2011 – June 2011

at HUMAK Nurmijärvi Campus

Objectives

  • Students familiarize themselves with different institutions and organizations that work with young people
  • Students acquire competences, both in theory and practice, for working with young people and promoting social inclusion, active citizenship and equality
  • Students learn to evaluate the role of civil society and their own role as promoters of active citizenship and equality
  • Students learn to use different methods for youth empowerment and early intervention.
  • Students learn to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods from different viewpoints (sociology, psychology, educational science, social policy, social pedagogy)
  • Students learn to work within professional networks
  • Students learn to communicate and cooperate with people from different cultural and social backgrounds
  • Students familiarize themselves with the Finnish society and culture
  • Students are introduced to the European structures and legislation related to young people, inclusion and equality

Contents

Introduction (2 ECTS)

  • Introduction to the theme and learning methods.
  • Finnish Language and Intercultural Communication (6 ECTS)
  • The basics of Finnish, both spoken and written skills
  • Introduction to Intercultural Communication

English (2 ECTS)

  • Communication in English, both spoken and written skills

Youth Empowerment (10 ECTS)

  • Finnish and European social welfare systems and legislation
  • Theories and practices of preventive youth work
  • Juvenile justice and mediation
  • Methodologies and practices of youth empowerment and early intervention
  • Active citizenship and youth participation. Theories and practices.
  • Diversity and equality. Theories and practices.
  • The role of NGOs and other civil society actors in youth empowerment

Project Learning (10 ECTS)

  • Work placement in pairs or groups (mixed groups with Finnish and foreign students) in projects, in co-operation with various partners (e.g. youth organizations and schools)

Methods of Study

  • Contact instruction, independent work, educational visits, work placement and group projects
  • Cultural integration will be part of the course as the activities and lessons are with Finnish students

Evaluation

  • Evaluation is based on participation, written assignments and reports.