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
Introduction to the course during Intensive Programme in Tampere, afterwards distance learning.
Evaluation and evaluation criteria
Numeric 1-5.Cumulative grade: 70% final paper and 30% participation in the discussions. 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.
Study materials
Course materials provided by instructor.
Belongs to following study modules
