General description

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. Harmonisation 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.

Learning outcomes

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 conceptualise 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 analyse 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.).

Contents

European Union social dimension; EC law: treaty, regulations, directives etc.; social law and policy in the European Union; harmonisation and coordination of the different social security systems in the European Union member states; the key areas of European Union social policy; the future perspectives of European Union social policy.

Teaching methods

Introductory lectures during Intensive Programme, afterwards discussion boards and tutoring supported by Moodle and individual studies of the theoretical literature and other sources of course.

Teaching language

English

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Numeric 1-5.
Cumulative grade: 70% final paper and 30% participation in the discussions.

Recommended year of study

1. year spring

Study materials

Reading list will be announced at the beginning of the course.

 

Belongs to following study modules