General description

This course provides an historical overview of the development of social policy in European welfare states. Secondly, it describes contemporary aspects of providing welfare. Thirdly, it provides some of the theoretical background to understanding social policy and welfare provisions – philosophically, ideologically and methodologically. Fourthly, it provides an overview and examination of the key areas of social policy and welfare services.

Learning outcomes

This course introduces a series of debates surrounding social policy in the European Union. By providing an in-depth analysis of social policy developments, this course furthers understanding of welfare reform trajectories in Europe. Students will be equipped with the skills necessary for advanced research, to analyse applied social policies:
- to identify the theoretical underpinnings of social policy;
- to describe the historical, ideological and political context in which social policy has developed in European welfare states;
- to critically analyse all the key areas of social policy;
- to explore the changing contemporary context of social policy in the European Union.

Contents

Historical development of social policy; contemporary social policy; theorizing and researching social policy and welfare; social policy themes.

Teaching methods

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.

Teaching language

English

Evaluation

Numeric 1-5.

Recommended year of study

1. year autumn

Study materials

Reading list

1. Baldock, John; Manning, Nicholas; Vickerstaff, Sarah (eds.) (2007) Social policy. Oxford: Oxford University Press
2. Bradshaw, Jonathan; Hatland, Aksel (eds.) (2006) Social policy, employment, and family change in comparative perspective. Northampton (Mass.): Edward Elgar

Belongs to following study modules