Life-course and Social Welfare, 15 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, behavioural sciences, health sciences or equivalent qualifications. Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student will on an advanced level be able to:
- explain the concepts life-course, social change and welfare 
- critically reflect upon, and be able to relate above standing concepts to analyses concerning an ageing population as well as the individual ageing process 
- identify and discuss the meaning of different life-course trajectories in regards to changes in social policies and welfare systems. 
- Apply knowledge concerning ageing processes by outlining scenarios of future development  
- summarize and relate these scenarios to issues concerning social inequality and political challenges on a national, European as well as global level. 
- differentiate between different perspectives on life-course, ageing and later life as well as being able to critically process these.
- differentiate between methods of analysis as well as being able to motivate choice of method in relation to ones own research questions.

Course content

The course deals with issues concerning life-course, social change and welfare on a national as well as global level. Possible scenarios for future development of ageing populations, life-courses and socio-political challenges are analysed and related to current discussions concerning social inequality. Emphasis is placed upon discussing societal changes in relation to demographic changes, especially those concerning ageing and later life. Interdisciplinary as well as intersectional perspectives on life-course, ageing and later are central to the course. Students will be given opportunity to contribute with own research questions within the area and the possibility to discuss advantages, as well as disadvantages, of different research methods in relation to the research questions.

Teaching and working methods

The course offers a combination of lectures and student active working methods s such as seminars, individual- as well as group activities and tutorials. Students are expected to actively participate, be well prepared for lectures and to have completed assigned preparations for seminars. Language of instruction: English

Examination

Examination through active seminar participation as well as written and/or oral assignments, individually or in group, and active participation in compulsory parts. Examination could be both on-going as well as at the end of the course. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the courses study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department