Syllabus for Comparative Welfare States

Learning outcomes

The goal is that the students achieve a theoretically based knowledge about the basic features of different welfare state regimes, and that the students are able to analyse implications of different types of welfare policies for gender and ethnic relations in society.

Content

This course gives an introduction to the comparative study of welfare state regimes, drawing in particular on the well known typology of Gösta Esping-Andersen. It will further focus on two central questions in the contemporary debate on the welfare state; namely how welfare policies structure and transform gender and ethnic relations in society.

Instruction

Teaching will consist both of lectures and of seminars. There is an emphasis placed on students' active participation in seminar discussions.

Assessment

A written examination and a compulsory reading report for each seminar. The reading reports will be evaluated as passed or failed. The written examination settles the course grade.

Grades awarded Fail (U) - Pass (G) - Pass with Distinction (VG). In addition, grades will be given according to European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), that is using a seven-step scale.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

The students will develop their ability to critically analyse, understand and deal with, both orally and in writing, some relatively advanced texts from the central research fields of political science. The course gives the students an opportunity to reflect upon the requirements of a scientific discussion. The student is expected to contribute actively with his own views, and there will be practice in oral presentations of the acquired knowledge.

Other directives

Course taught for exchange students only.