OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of various approaches and methodologies applicable to planning in social services. In line with the guidelines of international social work organizations, the subject is contextualized by addressing themes such as social change and development, social cohesion and emancipation, empowerment, principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of social policies and European project design, with an in-depth understanding of design approaches, project phases, feasibility, and sustainability.
It also offers theoretical insights into various social planning systems and approaches, alongside the development and diversification that social planning ha

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of social policies and European project design, with an in-depth understanding of design approaches, project phases, feasibility, and sustainability.
It also offers theoretical insights into various social planning systems and approaches, alongside the development and diversification that social planning has undergone in recent decades.
The course includes practical examples of projects developed at the local (Liguria), national, and European Union levels.
Students will apply the acquired knowledge through the preparation of a project proposal.

s undergone in recent decades.
The course includes practical examples of projects developed at the local (Liguria), national, and European Union levels.
Students will apply the acquired knowledge through the preparation of a project proposal.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through individual study and course attendance, students will be able to:

• Understand and acquire knowledge about project design approaches and phases;
• Apply the acquired knowledge in practice;
• Critically evaluate project experiences;
• Understand the key dynamics of group work and network collaboration;
• Identify methods for managing groups and networks.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of the principles and models guiding social work interventions.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is divided into three parts:

• The theoretical component is delivered through lectures supported by slides and occasional brief readings for further insight.
• The practical knowledge component is based on presentations of project experiences by social workers who coordinated or participated in the projects. These presentations follow a predefined structure provided by the instructor, similar to the one used by students. Preference is given to projects addressing innovative themes.
• The experiential learning component involves students working in small groups to simulate the development of a project within a defined context, aiming for as much realism as possible. Group work is systematically documented. The final phase includes presenting the project to a selected target audience using appropriate communication methods.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Theoretical knowledge: updates on social policy and sectoral policies; European project design; programming and planning; approaches to project design; project phases; feasibility and sustainability, including indirect, direct, and implementation sustainability.

Practical knowledge: presentation of projects developed at local, national (Italian), and European Union levels.

Experiential knowledge: small group work focused on developing a project proposal based on an assigned theme.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Core textbooks and reading materials for attending students:
L. Leone, M. Prezza, Costruire e valutare i progetti nel sociale, edizioni Franco Angeli, Milano, 2003, pp. 15-162
J. K. Amirian, La progettazione sociale. Esperienze e riflessioni, edizioni Franco Angeli, Milano, 2012, pp. 21-42, 46-52, 56-166
M. D’Amico, Progettare in Europa, Edizioni Erickson, Trento, 2014, pp. 19-32, 39-41, 107-154
A. Sicora, A. Pignatti, Progettare Sociale, Edizioni Maggioli Santarcangelo di Romagna (RN) 2015, pp. 9–68, 90-106
Summary materials prepared for the lessons will also be provided.

Core textbooks and additional reading materials for non-attending students:
Bibliography and materials as above, with further additions to be agreed upon with the instructor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

I semester from September 15th to December 5th 2025
 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test covering the bibliography and materials provided during the course.
Students are required to submit a written project proposal individually (for non-attending students) or in small groups (for attending students).
Online registration for exam sessions through the University website is mandatory.
The number of exam sessions is specified in the study program regulations; no extraordinary sessions will be held.
Attendance is considered valid for one year. Course materials, information on seminars, office hours, and any changes to the schedule will be communicated through the University’s online platform “Aulaweb.”

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Specific guidelines regarding exam preparation and the expected depth of knowledge for each topic will be provided during lectures and office hours.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with official disability certification or diagnosed learning disabilities (DSA) may request reasonable accommodations during exams (e.g., extra time, concept maps, modifications to written/oral formats) by following the procedure outlined in the guidelines (p. 5) available here. For further information, students can contact the department’s designated instructor at: Isa.Fanlo@unige.it.