Nordic Welfare Societies in Transition

The aim of the course is that students recognise the features that have commonly been linked with the idea of a Nordic welfare model and Nordic welfare state. In addition students will learn about differences amongst the Nordic welfare states and some changes that they have undergone.

The course covers 3 ECTS from social policy either from the A3A2 or S21. There will be various lecturers during the course. To pass the course active participation is required during the lectures and students need to write a 3 page paper on a certain research question (questions will be formulated during the course). Papers will be discussed jointly during the last session of the course.

Half of the each session will contain a lecture and another half will be dedicated to discussions and/or group work. Lectures take place on Thursdays from 9-12 at Linna 6017 beginning on 14th Jan 2010.

The course is coordinated by Minna Zechner (minna.zechner@uta.fi).

Following timetable is tentative, times are correct but the lecture themes may still change a bit, mainly amongst one another.

1. 14.01 Minna Zechner: Practicalities of the course, Brief introduction to the different welfare states in Europe, group work to formulate research questions
2. 21.01 Anneli Anttonen: Nordic welfare model and universalism
3. 28.01 Jouko Nätti: Labour markets and employment in the Nordic countries
4. 04.02 Minna Zechner: Nordic elder care policies
5. 11.02 Tapio Rissanen: Gender, work and equality in the Nordic countries
6. 18.02 Liisa Häikiö: Nordic citizenship 
7. 25.02 Katja Repo: Nordic child care policies
8. 04.03 Laura Huttunen: Migrants and migration
9. 11.03 Week 10 is the period break when there is no teaching. Students have time to write papers!
10. 18.03 Minna Zechner: Discussion based on students? papers and feedback on the course.

No need to sign up in advance.