SFS10606 Studies in Social Policy and Welfare (Spring 2014)
Facts about the course
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible faculty:
- Avdeling for økonomi, språk og samfunnsfag
- Course Leader:
- Geir Conrad Tufte
- Teaching language:
- See "Course Structure"
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is affiliated to the following study programme
Prerequisites
Teaching semester
German, English, French, Spanish or Political Science.
Content
The Nordic model is in focus, where the relationship between state, market and party politics forms arenas of negotiation for distribution and re-distribution of welfare in society.
Welfare politics is considered a step in the democratic development in which the relationship between state and citizens has developed through different phases.
An emphasis is placed on the economic challenges brought on by the privatisation of public services and by globalization, and how they influence the ability and possibilities of the countries to fulfil citizens¿ demands for social welfare.
The course attempts to highlight these challenges from different theoretical perspectives and by referring to experiences from various western countries.
The student's learning outcomes on passing the course
KNOWLEDGE
At completion of the course the students will possess sound knowledge of the academic debate concerning the development of the welfare state and its sustainability. They have gained basic knowledge of comparative methodology and the way different scholars compare welfare regimes. They have gained insight into the academic debate on the development of western welfare regimes, in which the tension between state, market, family and civil society forms the basis of various forms of welfare models. Further, the students have been introduced to the concept of welfare and knowledge of the structure of the welfare state as a political model and as a basic precondition for democratic governance in the western world.
SKILLS
The students understand various welfare models and the way they are mirrored in the relationship between state, market, family and civil society in the different countries.
GENERAL COMPETENCE
The course has contributed to furthering the students¿ general analytical competence.
Teaching and learning methods
The library gives instruction and supervision among other things in literature search and the use of databases.
The language of instruction is normally Norwegian, but in the case of international students choosing this course the instruction will be given in English.
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
Exam
Term paper: The students write an independent term paper of approx. 12-15 pages on a topic of their own choice, setting up their own list of literature used.
The topic should be approved by the course instructor.
Each student is entitled to two hours of supervision during the period of writing.
The A-F grading scale is used.
Course evaluation
Reading list
Kjørstad, Monica & Tufte, Geir C. (eds.), Care for Older People in Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. Comparisons between Policies regarding Challenges from an Aging Population. 23 pages. Compendium, local print.
Pierson, Christopher & Castles, Francis G. (eds.) The Welfare State Reader. 492 pages. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Streeck, W. & Thelen, K.A. (eds.) (2005), Beyond Continuity: Institutional Change in Advanced Political Economies. 290 pages. Oxford: Oxford University Press.