Social Science Perspectives on the Welfare State: Thematic Studies, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completed studies, the student is able to show

• basic knowledge of the chosen thematic research field, and
• basic understanding of independent and analytical work and presentations.

Competence and skills
After completed studies, the student is able to show

• basic competence in written presentation of the chosen thematic research field, and
• basic skills in oral presentations.

Evaluation, assessment and approach
After completed studies, the student is able to show

• the ability to independently evaluate and analyse academic texts, and
• a scientific approach to material, sources and information.

Content

This course gives the student the opportunity to develop knowledge of and reflect on the emergence, development, functioning and current challenges of the contemporary Swedish and Nordic welfare state from the perspective of political science, gender studies or human geography. The student chooses, in consultation with the supervisor, a specific thematic field in which the student wants to deepen her or his knowledge.

Examinations and grades

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Modes of assessment

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written paper and participation in obligatory supervision and seminars.

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for grade pass
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Absence from compulsory components of the course
Upon absence from compulsory components, the university's general rules for re-examination apply. If there are special reasons to deviate from the time frame, the examiner decides when the compulsory component should be carried out. However, the examiner can decide that a make-up assignment should be given.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

One of following courses: Swedish Politics and Policy, 7.5 credits, Gender Equality and the Nordic Welfare State, 7.5 credits, The Geography of Sweden, 7.5 credits or equivalent.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

Language of instruction is English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that the student cannot be examined in accordance with this course syllabus, special examinations will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Literature is chosen in consultation with the supervisor