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. 

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.

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. Ideally you don’t miss any classes. If you are unable to attend a session, please let me know before that session.

The course will be taught in presence units on campus.

Procedure for the course when limited activity on campus: In that case the course will follow the rotation mode (for in-class sessions; and for online sessions if sessions on campus are not possible). Time in class is divided between two student groups (four hour units will be split in two hour units). This implies that students will work on parts of the content themselves (supported by self-study materials on learn). Time in class will be mainly used to illustrate and discuss concepts, to clarify questions, and for exchange and discussion between students. Also, there will be coaching sessions with student groups.

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 

The final grade is based on: 

• exam: 40%
• written paper (individual): 25%
• group project with oral presentation (group): 25%
• active participation in class: 10% 

Grades (point ranges):

• Excellent (1): 90-100 points
• Good (2): 80-89 points
• Satisfactory (3):  65-79 points
• Sufficient (4): 50-64 points
• Fail (5): 0-49 points

This is a course offered for WU bachelor students (in the Economics and Socio-Economics Major program), as an elective course in the BBE programme (Course IV - Interactions of Economy and Society), and for incoming students as part of the English Program.

Email: august.oesterle@wu.ac.at

Meetings by appointment