Swedish Social Welfare in Comparative Perspective, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces students to the "Swedish welfare state", its role in the development and carrying-out of social programs, and the role of social workers in the Swedish welfare state context. Emphasis will be placed on exploring social welfare policies in comparative perspective.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to demonstrate (through course activities, assignments and/or exams): Knowledge of the socio-political context of the Swedish welfare state; An understanding of the key factors that have shaped and influenced social policy in Sweden compared to other western industrialized countries; Knowledge of current institutional and organizational structures of social welfare programs developed to deliver ‘cradle to grave’ services including: employment and income maintenance, healthcare and social services; Knowledge of the connections between social policies and social work practice. Skill in assessing a particular social problem addressed by social welfare policies; and analyzing relevant social welfare policy responses; Skill in applying social welfare concepts and principles to the formulation of analyses of social welfare policies; Skill in determining intended and unintended effects of policies on both majority and minority or marginalized groups such as: people of color, women, gays, lesbians, the poor, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable, high risk populations.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Course structure This course will be taught through classes that last for two teaching hours. Depending on the class size, classes will take the form of either lectures or seminars or both. Seminars will be developed around topics arising from readings and study visits. Study visits will be an integral part of the course. Students will be expected to attend all planned study visits and to discuss these visits in seminar sessions.

Examination modes

Course Requirements and Examination Students are expected to attend classes and complete the readings on a weekly basis. There will be marks for in class participation, study visits, a seminar presentation, and written work. In Class Participation 10% Participation is essential to this course and students are expected to attend all classes. Consequently, a grade is given. The participation grade is based in part on your attendance. You will also be expected to be a constructive participant in small group meetings. This participation involves questioning, sharing, listening and communicating in a respectful way with other members of the group. Study Visits 10% Individual Investigation Study visits will give you the opportunity to identify an area of interest that you want to investigate further. You will be expected to arrange to visit agencies or individuals that can help you in your investigation. You will report on the study visits you complete. A full description of the requirements of study visits will be provided early in the term. Library/Literature Search 10 % Students are required to conduct a library search of databases (Social Work Abstracts, PsychInfo, Medline etc.) that searchers for a specific topic related to a problem addressed by the social work profession. Each student must find 6 to 8 relevant ‘hits’. Your library search output will be handed in together with a 1 page description of your reactions to the searches carried out. Paper 50% In depth study of a social problem/issue This paper will involve the description of a social problem or issue, how it is conceptualized at a policy level and if/how social work involved in providing solutions. A description of the requirements of the paper will also be provided early in the term. Seminar Presentation 20 % This will be a presentation of the paper you have written. A description of the requirements of the seminar will also be provided by the middle of the term.

Other regulations

Prerequisites This is an introductory course. The admission prerequisite is a general qualification for university studies. Students taking these courses will be exempt from the requirement of proficiency in the Swedish language. All lectures and seminars will be in English. Therefore, students must be proficient in spoken and written English.