Syllabus

Title
1417 Social Policy
Instructors
ao.Univ.Prof. Dr. August Österle
Contact details
august.oesterle@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
09/17/19 to 09/30/19
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Bachelor Programs
Social Policy
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Friday 10/11/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D4.0.144
Friday 10/18/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D4.0.144
Friday 10/25/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D4.0.144
Tuesday 11/05/19 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM TC.0.03 WIENER STÄDTISCHE
Friday 11/08/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D4.0.144
Friday 11/15/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D4.0.144
Friday 11/22/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 12/04/19 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM TC.0.01 ERSTE

On this page:

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Contents

Topics covered in this course:

  • social policy, social welfare and the welfare state: objectives, principles, actors, policies,
  • comparative welfare state analysis: comparing welfare states, welfare state models, 
  • European social policy: EU social policy, the impact of EU integration on national social policies,
  • sustainability of the welfare state. 

In addition, student group projects will deal with selected social policy issues in comparative perspective. 

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Learning outcomes

The course provides a framework for understanding, reviewing and critical analysis of alternative approaches to the study and the practice of social policy. After attending this course, students will be able to:

  • outline and apply the conceptual foundations of social policy,
  • identify alternative welfare state models,
  • characterise social policies in selected countries,
  • evaluate the role of EU social policies,
  • analyse and discuss social policy approaches against the background of major economic and social policy objectives,
  • understand and discuss academic social policy papers. 

In addition, students will:

  • gain practice and improve their skills in writing, presenting and discussing their ideas.
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Attendance requirements

This being a ‘course with continuous assessment (PI)’, the university requires students to attend at least 80% of all classes for completing the course successfully. This means that you can miss a maximum of one out of six sessions during the whole semester. Ideally you don’t miss any classes.

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Teaching/learning method(s)

The first part of the course is based on inputs by the lecturer and group discussions. In the second part of the course, groups of students will focus on selected social policy areas, present comparative analyses and discuss these in sub-group and/or plenary debates. Activities include:

  • lectures
  • team-based learning
  • group discussions
  • oral presentations
  • written papers 
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Assessment

The final grade is based on: 

  • exam: 40%
  • written paper (individual or group): 25%
  • oral presentation (group): 25%
  • active participation in class: 10% 
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Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists
This is a course offered for WU bachelor students (in the Economics and Socio-Economics Major program) and for incoming students as part of the English Program.
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Availability of lecturer(s)

Email: august.oesterle@wu.ac.at

Meetings by appointment 

Last edited: 2019-05-04



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