Main Field of Study and progress level:
Sociology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Sociology
Contents
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the field of welfare research, which will be examined both theoretically and empirically. The course begins by discussing how we may understand social policy and the welfare state. What makes welfare states and their attainments interesting and important to analyze? And why does this need to be done in a comparative way? Different theories of state- and nation-building (ie. the origins of welfare states and welfare states politics) are introduced. We will become acquainted with different types of welfare state regimes and their causes and consequences. The course ends by discussing economic inequality, poverty and discrimination. Does the welfare state solve or cause these problems? In this context, the paradox of redistribution will be critically discussed.
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;
have a deeper understanding of the basic concepts of welfare state research;
be familiar with the terms and methods of comparative social policy and welfare state analysis;
be able to apply these concepts, terms and methods to empirical research questions.
Required Knowledge
Social Work 90 ECTS or Sociology 90 ECTS or Social Policy 90 ECTS or Social Administration 90 ECTS or Social Care 90 ECTS or Education 90 ECTS or Political Science 90 ECTS or Cultural Geography 90 ECTS or Economics 90 ECTS or equivalent eligibility.
English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below 4.5 (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible or TOEFL minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT61 is also required as well as basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency if the course is taught in Swedish.
Form of instruction
The course content is delivered through lectures and individual and group work.
Examination modes
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 as 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.
www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/regelsamlingen/examensfrågor.html
Literature
Valid from:
2009 week 36
Esping-Andersen Gøsta The three worlds of welfare capitalism Cambridge : Polity : 1990 : xi, 248 s. : ISBN: 0-7456-0665-2 (inb.) Search the University Library catalogue
