Social Policies in Europe

Course Code: HS180A

Institution:

Social Work

Revision:

1

For students admitted spring 2014   fall 2013   spring 2013   fall 2012   spring 2012  

Approval

The course was established 20 October 2010.
This course syllabus (version 1) was approved 20 October 2010 by the Faculty Board of Health and Society.
The syllabus is valid from 15 January 2012.

Education level

First cycle

Course description

The course aims to develop the students knowledge and understanding in relation to social policies within a European context, with a particular focus on the relevance for social work and social work practice. Further the course will focus on examining the diversity of European welfare models and to compare and contrast models of service delivery within social care and social work.

Entry requirements

1. General eligibility, 60 ECTS in Social Science
2. The equivalent of English B in Swedish secondary school.

Learning outcomes

1. Social Policies and Welfare systems, 5 hp
After the sub course the student should be able to
- discuss the discourse within a context of European social welfare system,
- critically reflect and analyse social work policy systems, and
- identify and compare welfare models and discuss aspects of the challenges in a European welfare context.

2. Written assignment, 2,5 hp
After the sub course the student should be able to
- apply principles of European welfare systems, and
- reflect, discuss and analyse current research on social policies and the relevance for social work practice.

Assessments

The assessment in sub course 1 is based on compulsory written group assignments. Assessments are also based on oral examinations which can be either in individual or group format. Learning outcome 1 is assessed by the active participation of all students in classroom and group activities. This includes evidence of the students engagement in individual preparation for presentations within seminar activities. Grade: fail/pass. Learning outcome 2-3 is assessed by an individual written report of the findings from their small seminar group. The small seminar group will do a presentation to the whole group of which the individual students piece of research will form a part. Grade: fail/pass/pass with distinction.

In sub course 2, learning outcome 1-2 is assessed by an individual written assignment which includes the application of relevant theory and methods in relation to welfare systems particularly from a European perspective. The assignment is presented in an individual written assignment and in class e.g. in the form of a work shop. A passing grade is achieved by successfully completing each component of the course. In sub-course 1, to pass with distinction, a student must demonstrate a high degree of ability to independently collect and interpret data and communicate findings, ideas and solutions. In sub-course 2, to pass with distinction, a student must demonstrate unusual ability to independently collect and interpret data and communicate findings, ideas and solutions.


Examination re-sits
Students who fail examinations have two further opportunities to re-sit. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to re-sit these examinations during the course. If the course ceases or goes through major changes, students retain the right to two re-sits examinations based on the original course content. Examinations and re-sits are scheduled throughout the course timetable.

Course content

The course consists of two sub courses.

1: Social Policies and welfare systems, 5 credits
This sub-course contains a review of European welfare systems and the history of ideas of social work. The social work practice is examined in different national and organisational contexts with an emphasis on organisation in Social work. Reflections on the diversity of European Welfare Models and their main institutions and policies will be discussed. European Social policy and challenges of integration will be stressed giving views from different parts of the area of Social work policy. The course is divided into a number of different themes, e.g; European Origins of the Welfare State, diversity of European Welfare Models and the crises and challenges for European Welfare States.

2. Written assignment, 2.5 credits
The sub course presents relevant social work theories to support analysis of different models of welfare. Relevant methods in social work such as community work are connected to theoretical frameworks. The consequences of the application of different methods are analysed. Students will be expected to critically examine, analyse and discuss different aspects of the welfare system such as policies, organisation, challenges and social work within a Swedish and/or a different European context .

Learning activities

The course is based on active participation of the students. Teaching methods include lectures, field trips, seminars and case work.

Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). ECTS grading system can be used on students demand.

Reading list and other media

1: Social Policies and welfare systems

Alcock, P. and Craig, G. (2009) (2nd ed.) International Social Policy: Welfare Regimes in the Developing World.

Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 320 p.



Cousins. M. (2005) European Welfare States. Comparative Perspectives. London: Sage. 240 p.



Van Ewik, H. (2009) European Social Policy and Social Work: Citizenship-Based Social Work. London: Routledge. 192 p.

2. Written assignment

Lorenz, W (2006) Perspectives on European Social Work. 200 p., Opladen: Barbara Budrich Publishers.



Scientific articles of about 100 pages will be added

Course evaluation

The course will be continually evaluated through reflection and feedback from the student regarding course content and implementation. At the end of the course the students will give an individual, written evaluation to express their views about the course based on the course aims and objectives and how these have been realized. The results from the evaluations will be summarized and presented to the students orally and in a protocol.