Main Field of Study and progress level:
Sociology: First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Sociology
Contents
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the field of social policy. The course provides an overview of the main theories and empirical developments in welfare state and social policy analysis. Major and updated topics (e.g. aging societies, globalization or immigration) are discussed. Special emphasis is put on the characteristics of welfare policies and family policies in Sweden. The development and distinctiveness of the "Swedish Model" is analysed in a comparative, international perspective.
All lectures and seminars are held in English.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student will:
be able to analyze and systematize different theoretical approaches to understanding social policy regimes
be able to apply these concepts, terms and methods to empirical research questions
have a deeper understanding of the Swedish welfare system.
Required Knowledge
Basic eligibility.
Form of instruction
The course content is delivered through lectures, seminars, individual and group work. All lectures and seminars are held in English.
Examination modes
The examination consists of two parts. Students are expected to hold one group presentation. Additionally, students will write an individual essay on a relevant research question. In order to be awarded a Pass grade for the course as a whole, the student must pass both parts of the examination and attend all compulsory sessions indicated in the course schedule.
International students will be graded in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Grading decisions are based on an assessment of the individual students performance. In case of a student being awarded a fail grade, she or he has the right to be re-examined in a form and at a time agreed upon in consultation with the examiner.
Students have the right to be re-examined up to five times per course. Examination and supplementary examination based on the syllabus outlined here can be guaranteed for up to two years after the start of the course. If a student is awarded a fail grade on at least two consecutive attempts of the examination of the course or course component, she or he has the right to request a new examiner. The director of studies should be consulted in such circumstances.
Academic credit transfer:
Decisions relating to academic credit transfers are made on a case-by-case basis. For further information about this contact the study advisor. See also Umeå Universitys set of rules and academic transfer regulations.
Literature
Valid from:
2010 week 35
The welfare state reader Pierson Christopher, Castles Francis Geoffrey 2. ed. : Cambridge : Polity : 2006 : xi, 492 s. : ISBN: 0-7456-3555-5 (inb.) Search the University Library catalogue
