Welfare Systems in Europe: Ideas, policies, and outcomes , 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• Political Science or other relevant main field of study, 30 ECTS credits, basic course, with at least 22.5 ECTS credits passed or equivalent.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6).
  Exemption from Swedish.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students are expected to:

• To be able to describe and to explain fundamental concepts of welfare state, the different characteristics of welfare models and how the welfare systems work in practice.
• To be able to analyze the political, economic, and cultural factors that shape welfare systems.
• To be able to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different welfare systems in comparative perspective.
• To be able to assess comparatively the relationship between the social policies and respective welfare systems. 

Course content

This course is an introduction into social policy analysis, exploring various types of welfare systems that exist in Europe and beyond, in both theory and practice. We will examine the differences and the similarities between welfare state models in theory and practice, with a special focus on governance structures and the political, economic, and cultural factors that shape these systems, as well as their impact on social policies’ outcomes. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization and technological advancements, SDGs, as well as the role of civil society in shaping different welfare systems.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars and project work. In addition to this, homework and independent study are necessary complements to the teachings. 

Examination

Examination:

• Class participation in seminars: Pass/Fail
• Individual research paper & defense in final seminar: A-E (ECTS) 

For a passing final grade all three examination moments need to be at least a passing grade. 

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

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 conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department