Social Policy and Family in Focus, 15 Credits

Contents

The course Social policy and Family in Focus is about social policy and family from a sociological perspective. The course consists of two modules, one focusing on social policy and one focusing on family and family life. The modules will run in parallel. During the first module, Social Policy in Focus, students are introduced to the social policy research area. The module provides an overview of dominant theories and empirical research on welfare states and social policy. Particular attention is paid to Swedish welfare and family policy. The emergence of and different characteristics of the "Swedish model" are analyzed in a comparative international perspective.

The second module, Family in Focus, is about family - what it is and how it looks - a few decades into the 21st century. The module deals with the relationship between families and the social contexts within which it exists. Family from Swedish perspective is the starting point for a discussion of family from an international perspective, with a certain focus on North America and Europe. During the module, family are discussed in a broad sense, include different forms of  family. Considerable attention is given to investigate the relationship between family and social context. These are addressed through a number of themes, such as demographic trends, the labor market, paid and unpaid work, the importance of gender, and the organization of families' everyday lives.

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1: Social Policy in Focus
In regards to comprehension and knowledge, on successful completion of the course, the student will have:

• have a deeper understanding of the Swedish welfare system
• have knowledge of other welfare systems in the world

In regards to ability and proficiency, on successful completion of the course, the student will have:

• Be able to analyze and systematize different theoretical perspectives used in the understanding of different social policy systems

Concerning the logic of inquiry, on successful completion of the course, the student will have:

• Be able to apply and relate theoretical perspectives used in the understanding of different social policy systems to empirical research questions

Module 2: Family in Focus
In regards to comprehension and knowledge, on successful completion of the course, the student will have:

• the importance of social context for family 
• relevant research on families 

In regards to ability and proficiency, on successful completion of the course, the student will have:

• demonstrate an understanding of sociological perspectives on family 
• identify and communicate theories, lines of arguments and terminology in relation to family

Concerning the logic of inquiry, on successful completion of the course, the student will have:

• the importance of different contexts and conditions that frame the lives of families

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Course meetings will take the form of lectures and seminars and include both group and individual work. All coursework is in English. Lectures and seminars will be held in English.

Examination modes

The examinations on the course consists of written assignments and compulsory seminars.The assessment must be individual or designed in such a way that individual examination can take place at all courses organized by the department. 

The Swedish grading system states that the following grades may be awarded: Pass with Distinction (väl godkänd), Pass (godkänd) or Fail (underkänd).To achieve the grade Pass, at least the assessment Pass on both modules is required. To achieve the grade Pass with Distinction on the course, the assessment Pass with Distinction on both modules is required. For comparison of grades, Umeå University has decided that the ECTS Grading Table (EGT) shall be used. International students' home university is responsible for any translation into their local grading system.

For each examining part of the course is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June is the first reexamination offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this is a third reexamination given within a year after the end of the course. Examination based on the same course plan as the regular examination is guaranteed within two years after the earlier course plan has ceased to be valid or the course is no longer given (see rules for grades and examination on basic and advanced level, Dnr: FS 1.1.2-553-14). A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed after a written request to the head of department. 

Deviations from the form of examination in the course plan can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustment of the examination form shall be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course plan. After a request from the student shall the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, quickly decide on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be reported to the student.  

Transfer of credits
In order to transfer credits to a corresponding course at Umeå University, students have the right to submit previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession for evaluation. Application for transfer of credits is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. More information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's student website, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal for transfer of credits may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies whether the entire application or part of the application for transfer of credits is refused.