Swedish Politics and Policy, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

After completed studies, the student shall be able to show

• account for and explain the make-up of Swedish political system,
• account for and explain the make-up of the Swedish welfare state and Swedish public policies within several different policy areas,
• account for and explain the central lines of conflict in Swedish politics,
• analyze Swedish politics from a comparative perspective, and
• critically reflect on Swedish public policy.

Content

The course also deals with important changes over time. Three themes of particular importance are:
1. Basic principles and patterns in the Swedish political system and politics, for example consensus, electoral system, and the relation between central and local politics. The autonomy of the local level and its role in implementation of welfare policy.
2. Changes of political steering and new perspectives of the role of the citizen.
3. Areas of Swedish public policy relating to, among other things, welfare and gender equality.

Examinations and grades

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A002)
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: A002)
Hall-exam and compulsory component in the form of participation in 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 a passing grade
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

General entry requirements for university studies.

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

Other provisions

This course is given in 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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Pierre, Jon (ed.) (2015)
The Oxford Handbook of Swedish Politics
Oxford: University Press

Öhlén, Mats & Silander, Daniel (eds.) (2020)
Sweden and the European Union: An Assessment of the Influence of EU-membership on Eleven Policy Areas in Sweden
Santérus Academic Press

Additions and Comments
Literature of approx.400 pages will be added to the reading list.