General description

History and organization of the European Union; European Union social dimension; EC law: treaty, regulations, directives etc.; social law and policy in the European Union; the key areas of the European Union social policy; harmonization and co-ordinatination of the different social security systems in the European Union member states, the perspective of the European Union social policy.

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to examine the interconnections between social policy development at European Union level and national policy formation and implementation. After this course students: can explain what the European Union social dimension is, and how and why its has emerged in European Union welfare states; have knowledge of the most important institutions of the EU and their mutual relationship; have knowledge of and skills in application of the EU laws at the level of member states; are aware of comparative European perspective on social law and policy within the European Community.

Contents

This course presents an in depth discussion of the history, legal framework, institutions of the European Union, and on the relationship between law and policy at the national level (member states) and the supra-national level (the EU). Special attention will be given to the key areas of the European Union social policy (employment policy, social protection, equality between men and women etc.).

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.

Teaching language

English

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:

- Alcock P., Erskine A. and May M. (ed.): The student's companion to social policy. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2003.

- Adnett N., Hardy S.: The European Social Model: Modernisation or Evolution? Cheltenham: Edward Edgar, 2005.

- Drake R. F.: The principles of social policy. Houndmills: Palgrave, 2001.-

- Geyer R. R.: Exploring European social policy. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2000.

- Hantrais L. Social policy in the European Union. Houndmills: St. Martin's Press, 2000.

- Kleinman M. A: European welfare state? European Union social policy in context. Houndmills: Palgrave, 2002.

- Rodger J. J.: From a welfare state to a welfare society: the changing context of social policy in a postmodern era. Houndmills: Macmillan Press, 2000.

- Sykes R., Alcock P. (ed.): Developments in European social policy: convergence and diversity. Bristol: The Policy Press University of Bristol, 1998.

- Taylor-Gooby P. (ed.): Making a European welfare state? Convergences and conflicts over European social policy. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2004.

- Sykes R., Palier B., Prior P. M. (ed.): Globalization and European welfare states: challenges and change. Houndmills: Palgrave, 2000.

Belongs to following study modules