General description

Short introduction into theoretical and ideological background of the general structure of Welfare Models, Eastern welfare model, structure of the Lithuanian social security model, analysis of key fields of social policy, social security and labor policy, analysis of social services and its critical discussion.

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give students opportunity to gain insight into theoretical, ideological and practical framework of welfare of Eastern welfare model, focusing on the opportunity to understand the Lithuanian model of work and social security, critically reflect and analyse the contemporary development concerning different field of the policy of work and social security in Lithuania. Students will be equipped with skills necessary for advanced research and understanding relation between different fields of the social policy on the national level and to analyse applied social policies:
- to identify the Eastern welfare model
- to identify the general structure of Lithuanian social policy
- to understand and critically analyse the implementation of social protection and social inclusion policy
- to understand the design and supply of social services in Lithuania
- to critically analyse priority goals, tasks and measures in different sectors of national social policy

Contents

The Lithuanian model is in transition. For this reason, the introduction focuses on ideology and theory of the main Welfare state regimes especially Eastern welfare. First of all, the students develop common understanding of the concept of welfare modeling, the system of welfare institutions, Eastern welfare system features. Lithuanian work and social security system is discussed regarding contemporary changes on the national and regional level. Students will be introduced to the different sectors of national work, social security and social services system, the roles and responsibilities of key players. Students will evaluate the design and supply of social security and services in Lithuania. For this reason, various fields of applied social policy will be analysed and discussed – policy, institutional structure and actual political decisions.

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.

Study materials

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

Belongs to following study modules