Topics covered in this course:

• social policy and the welfare state in comparative perspective: objectives, principles, actors, policies, and welfare state models
• foundations of comparative social polic analysis
• welfare state models in Europe, the OECD and in a global perspective
• Europeanisation of social policy: EU social policy, the impact of EU integration on national social policies
• comparative analysis of selected social problems and social policies 

The course provides a framework for understanding, reviewing and critical analysis of alternative approaches to social policy and their variation between countries. Throughout the course, students will work in international teams. After attending this course, students will be able to:

• identify alternative welfare state models,
• understand the benefits and challenges of comparative analysis,
• characterise social policies in comparative perspective,
• evaluate the role of EU social policies for social policy development,
• understand the role of socioeconomic context, historical developments as well as cultural, social and political norms for social policies,
• analyse and discuss social policy approaches against the background of major economic and social policy objectives.

In addition, students will:

• gain experience in collaborating in intercultural teams,
• gain practice and improve their skills in writing, presenting and discussing their ideas in an international context,
• reflect social policies and their own perspectives on these policies in relation to cultural, social and political norms.

The first part of the course is based on inputs by the lecturer and group discussions. In the second part of the course, international 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: 30%
• group project with oral presentation and discussion (group): 40%
• written assignment (individual): 20%
• active participation in class: 10% 

Grades (point ranges):

• Excellent (1): 88-100 points
• Good (2): 75.5-87.5 points
• Satisfactory (3):  63-75 points
• Sufficient (4): 50.5-62.5 points
• Fail (5): 0-50 points

Email: august.oesterle@wu.ac.at

Meetings by appointment