Swedish Social Welfare in Comparative Perspective, 7.5 Credits

Contents

In the course 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 is introduced. During the course key factors that have shaped and influenced social policy in Sweden compared to other welfare models are discussed. Emphasis will be placed on exploring social welfare policies in comparative perspective.
Concepts and principles regarding social welfare and the formulation of analyses of social welfare policies are introduced. In the course connections between social policies and social work practice is focused. Towards that background intended and unintended effects of policies on both majority and minority or marginalized groups are discussed.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following (through course activities, assignments, and/or exams):

Knowledge and understanding:
• knowledge of the socio-political context of the Swedish welfare state, its history and development
• an understanding of the key factors that have shaped and influenced social policy in Sweden compared to other welfare models;
• knowledge of current institutional and organizational structures of social welfare programs developed to deliver ‘cradle to grave’ services
• knowledge of the connections between social policies and social work practice.

Skill and ability:
• basic skill in conducting comparative analysis of social welfare models
• basic ability to identify a particular social problem addressed by social welfare policies; and describe relevant social welfare policy response

Assessment skills and approaches:
• Basic skills in assessing intended and unintended effects of welfare policies on both majority and minority groups or marginalised  groups such as; people of color, women, lgbtq people the poor, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The course is taught through lectures, seminars, group- and individual work. Students are expected to prepare lectures and seminars and group work through reading literature, group discussions and specific group and individual assignments

Examination modes

The examination will be conducted through:
• Active Participation in Seminars
Students are expected to present and discuss short written individual papers.
• Paper
In the depth study of a social problem/issue.
The 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 course.
• Seminar Presentation
The presentation of the paper mentioned above. A description of the requirements of the seminar will also be provided during the course.

The grades for the Active Participation in Seminar will be either Fail or Pass. The grades for the Paper will be either Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction. The grades for the Seminar Presentation of the Paper will be either Fail or Pass.Completing grade for the course is based on the result of the individual written final assignment and awarded after the completion of all compulsory course elements.
The appointed examiner may decide to use other forms of examination if required by particular circumstances.

A student who has not received a passing grade on a test will be afforded an opportunity for re-examination.

A student who has passed examination may not be re-examined. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons exist. A written request for change of examiner is submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Education.

If the student has a certificate of special pedagogical support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adjusted form of examination.

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.

Transfer of Credits
For information of regulation regarding transfer of credits:
http://www.umu.se/english/education/student-support/getting-a-degree-from-umea-university/transfer-of-credits?languageId=1