Social Policy
General description
European Union social dimension; EC law: treaty, regulations, directives etc.; social law and policy in the European Union; harmonization and co-ordinatination of the different social security systems in the European Union member states; the key areas of European Union social policy; the future perspectives of European Union social policy.
Learning outcomes
The aim of this course is deepen students’ theoretical knowledge on social policy at European Union and national levels.
On completion of the course, students will obtain knowledge and skills that enable them:
– to explain the European Union social dimension, its emergence in European Union and member states;
– to conceptualize the social policy issues (instruments) related to European integration;
– to identify the main societal challenges and problems in social policy making at European Union and national levels;
– to analyze the key areas of the European Union social policy and member states in comparative perspective (employment policy; social protection; gender equality; living conditions; family policies; ageing policies; policy for disabled; etc.).
Contents
The social dimension of the European Union: The content and structure of European Union social policy; Primary legislation relating to the social dimension of the European Union (treaties, charters); Secondary legislation relating to the social dimension of the European Union (directives, regulations, recommendations); Lisbon strategy; Open method of coordination in the European Union member states.
Harmonization of national social policies in the European Union: Models of welfare in the European Union member states; Consolidating the European social model.
The key areas of European Union social policy: Community policy on living and working conditions; The gender dimension of social policy; Family policies; Policy for older and disabled people.
The development of European Union social dimension: Modernising social policy in the Central and Eastern European countries; Future shape of European social policy.
Teaching language
EnglishModes of study
- Degree Programme Students
- Other Students
- Open University Students
- Doctoral Students
- Exchange Students
Introductory lectures during Intensive Program, afterwards discussion boards and tutoring supported by Moodle and individual studies of the theoretical literature and other sources of course. Final essay.
Students are assessed for the work done, which includes active participation in on-line discussions, independent (individual) work - reading and study of the course materials and writing of final essay (20.000 characters of actual text) in one of the areas covered in the course.
Evaluation and evaluation criteria
Numeric 1-5.Cumulative grade: 70% final paper and 30% participation in the discussions.
Study materials
Recommended literature:
1. Adnett N.; Hardy S. 2005. The European Social Model: Modernisation or Evolution? Cheltenham: Edward Edgar.
2. Armstrong K. A. 2010. Governing social inclusion: Europeanization through policy coordination. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
3. Buchs M. 2007. New governance in European social policy: the open method of coordination. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
4. Geyer R. R. 2000. Exploring European social policy. Cambridge: Polity Press.
5. Greve B. (eds.). 2010. Choice: challenges and perspectives for the European welfare states. Malden: Wiley-Blackwell.
6. Hantrais L. 2007. Social Policy in the European Union. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.
7. Kleiman M. 2002. A European welfare state? European Union social policy in context. Houndmills: Palgrave.
8. Pestieau P. 2006. The welfare state in the European Union: economic and social perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
9. Taylor-Gooby P. (ed.). 2004. Making a European welfare state? Convergences and conflicts over European social policy. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
Belongs to following study modules
2014–2015