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.).

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.

Introductory lectures during the intensive programme in Tampere in the beginning of February 2019. Afterwards the course continues in the on-line learning environment Moodle.

Only for students in the Cosopo programme.