By taking a historical, ideological, economical, social, political and systems theoretical view, the aim is to widen the perspectives on the effects that global challenges have on the future of welfare states, and teach how to make an holistic analysis of the present and future challenges of the welfare states.

A historical view is taken to the development of welfare states and economic globalization, as well as, to the ideological development of ideas and values and models of welfare states. The European Union's effects to the recent and future development of European welfare state are also discussed. To widen the global view on the challenges, international politics and economy are discussed in relation to challenges of governance of world economic system and world politics.

The course consist of 24 hours of lectures (2 ECTS) and 6 hours of seminar where the course literature is handled (3 ECTS). By writing an essay on a given question (alone or as a group) for the seminar, students can conclude 4 ECTS from the seminar.

no need to sign up in advance