General description

Advanced research in theoretical and practical fields of national (Lithuanian, Austrian, Finish) system of work and social security.

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to enhance students’ ability to carry out basic and applied research. Students will be enabled to work single-handed on theoretical and practical issues of national systems of work and social security at a comparative level on a scientific way.

The courses’ aim is to qualify students to critically reflect and to enhance students’ practical skills in working independently with different welfare regimes (East European, Continental, Nordic) and concepts as well as national statistic data analysis in a certain topic of system of work and social security.

Contents

This course synthesises the learning outcomes of the previous lectures in comparative European social policy (I and II) and case studies of national work and social security system in different welfare regimes - East European, Continental and Nordic. The course focuses on students’ theoretical and empirical knowledge of comparative analysis of work and social security systems in different countries (Lithuania, Austria, Finland).

Students learnt to use applied comparative research in different key issues of work and social security system on the national level. During the term, students single-handed do research in a focused topic in the field of recent development of the national work and social security system at a comparative level.

Teaching methods

Introduction during Intensive Program, afterwards audio and video lectures, discussion boards and individual tutoring, supported by Moodle

Attendance obligatory.

Teaching language

English

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Numeric 1-5.
Participation of the students in the discussions and debates, preparation of a research seminar paper (8-10 pages) in one of the areas covered in the course and a written examination at the end of the course.

Study materials

Reading list:

- Giddens, Anthony et al (ed.): Global Europe, Social Europe. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2006.

- Social Protection in the Member States of the European Union and in the European Economic Area - MISSOC info. European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/social_protection/missoc_en.htm, 2006.

- National report on Strategies of Lithuania for social protection and social inclusion. Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Republic of Lithuania. http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?1294497877, 2006.

- Commission assesses progress with reform to boost growth and jobs in Lithuania. European Commission. http://europa.eu.int/growthandjobs/index_en.htm, 2006.

- Joint Employment Report 2005/2006. http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?-1699621537.

- Employment in Europe 2006. European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/employment_analysis/employ_2006_en.htm.

- Gilbert, Neil: Transformation of the welfare state: the silent surrender of public responsibility. Oxford: University Press, 2004.

- Koistinen, P.: A Future of European Employment System. In: Mueckenberger (ed.): New Manifesto for Social Europe. ETUI, 2003.

- Esping-Andersen, Gøsta et al.: Why we need a New Welfare State. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.

- Jessop, Bob: The future of the Capitalist State. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2002.

- Pichelmann, Karl: Country employment policy reviews: Austria. Wien: Inst. für Höhere Studien, 1999.

- Cristiansen, J. Koistinen, P. Kovalainen, A. (eds.): Working Europe - Reshaping European Employment System. Ash agate, 1999.

Belongs to following study modules