General description
Advanced research in theoretical and practical fields of welfare state systems and concepts of social policy.
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 welfare state systems and concepts of social policy 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 regimes and concepts as well as statistic data analysis in a certain topic of welfare and social policy. During the term, they have to write an article ready for publication in journals relevant to the field of welfare and social policy.
Contents
First of all, this course synthesises on the learning outcomes of the previous lectures in theory of welfare state I and II and comparative European social policy I and II. This course focuses on students’ theoretical and empirical knowledge of comparative analysis of welfare regimes and concepts of social policy in Europe.
Students learnt already to use applied comparative research in different key issues of welfare states and social policy. During the term, students single-handed do research in a focused topic in the fields of welfare state systems and concepts of social policy.
In the research process, teachers will guide students’ work with individual instructions and consultations in the research project. In the end of the term, students’ ability to do autonomous research is tested practically. Thus, they do research and write an article ready to publish in scientific journals.
Teaching methods
Introduction course at the beginning of the semester, then the use of methods of distance learning: discussion boards and individual tutoring, supported by Moodle.
Attendance obligatory.
Modes of study
Evaluation and evaluation criteria
Numeric 1-5.Active participation: participation of the students in the discussions and debate during seminar and the distance learning, on the preparation of a research seminar paper (5 pages) in one of the areas covered in the course, written examination in the end of the course which should tests analytical skills and book examination.
Study materials
Reading list:
-Esping-Andersen, Gøsta et al.: Why we need a New Welfare State. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2002.
-Buti, Marco (ed): The welfare state in Europe: challenges and reforms. Cheltenham, Glos.: Elgar 1999.
-Gilbert, Neil: Transformation of the welfare state: the silent surrender of public responsibility. Oxford: University Press 2004.
-Jones, Cathrine (ed): New perspectives on the welfare state in Europe. London: Routledge 1993.
-Schram, Sanford: After Welfare, the culture of postindustrial social policy. New York: New York University Press 2000.
-Lewis, Jane/Surender, Rebecca (ed): Welfare State Chance: Towards a Third Way. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004.
-Jessop, Bob: The future of the Capitalist State. Cambridge: Polity Press 2002.
-Giddens, Anthony et al (ed.): Global Europe, Social Europe. Cambridge: Polity Press 2006.
-Lewis, Gail et al (ed.): Rethinking Social Policy. London: SAGE 2000.
-Pierson, Paul (ed): The New Politics of the Welfare State. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2001.
-Pierson, Christopher/Castles, Francis (ed): The welfare state Reader. Cambridge: Polity Press 2006.
-Bauman, Zygmunt: The individualized society. Cambridge: Polity Press 2001.
Belongs to following study modules
