| Detailed information |
| Original study plan |
Master's programme Joint Master's Programme in Comparative Social Policy and Welfare 2012W |
| Objectives |
(*)This course introduces students to the fields of social policy at European Union (EU) level. The course provides access to core social and economic policies and governance mechanisms in the field of EU socio-economic governance.
It combines insights into fundamental and historical developments – such as the development of freedom of movement for labour and the social agenda or the establishment of a single market, the Economic and Monetary Union and its influence on social policy. The course aims at engaging students with core theories and research perspectives which have been applied to EU socio-economic governance with a view of developing core analytical skills required for independent post-graduate research in this policy field.
Students will be equipped with the skills necessary for advanced research, to analyse social policies at European Union:
• to describe the historical, ideological and political context in which social policy has developed in the EU;
• to identify the legal framework of social policy;
• to analyse policy making at EU level
• to critically analyse all the key areas of social policy at EU level;
• to explore the changing contemporary context of social policy in the EU.
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| Subject |
(*)The purpose of this course is to define the scope and limitations of EU social policy. The course investigates the relationship between economic integration and developments in the field of both EU and national social legislation. It examines the reasons why the EU member states incorporated social policy cooperation in its objectives and traces the development of EU social policy.
The course discusses the main instruments of social policy development. The most important of these are the social dialogue, the open method of coordination, the European Court of Justice and the contents of the Treaty on the European Union. The main purpose of this part is to discuss the competences and limitations of these instruments.
Then, the course discusses recent challenges in the field of EU social policy. This part among others looks at the impact of economic and monetary union, the most recent enlargements and the completion of the internal market on national and EU social policies. It investigates the role of the EU in addressing these challenges as well as external challenges like new social risks.
Teaching methods: Introduction during Intensive Programme. Distance learning elements. Essays on provided literature in combination with Moodle discussion.
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| Criteria for evaluation |
(*)Grades: 70% essays & 30% active participation. Active participation: participation of the students in the discussions and during the intensive programme.
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| Methods |
(*)Introduction course at the beginning of the semester; then independent study, using methods of distance learning: Students will read examples of the different kinds of comparative inquiry and interrogate the theory-empirics-interface in each of them. Participation in classroom work. Preparation of a seminar paper.
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| Language |
English |
| Changing subject? |
No |
