Sociology, Welfare State and Society, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• describe and explain key concepts in the study of welfare states and welfare societies,
• describe contemporary legitimacy challenges facing welfare states, and relate these challenges to contemporary processes of social change, and
• critically examine, analyze, and evaluate how different welfare regimes and welfare arrangements can provide welfare.

Main content of the course

This course introduces the student to the theory and literature on welfare states and welfare societies. It will discuss contemporary legitimacy challenges of traditional welfare provision, particularly within a European context. Questions addressed include how different types of welfare regimes (liberal, conservative, social-democratic) and specific welfare arrangements shape conditions for provision of welfare. The course will also elaborate on how contemporary processes of globalization, individualization, migration, financial crises, and various social movements create new conditions for production of welfare.

Teaching methods

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures and seminars.

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.

Examination methods

Examination I, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Hall-exam.

Examination II (Code: A002)
Compulsory components in the form of active participation in seminars.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Examination deadline
If the deadline for the examination is exceeded, the examiner will decide how the examination should be conducted and, when applicable, set the timeframe for it.

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.

Grades

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 prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

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

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

Examination I
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination II
Grades used are Participated (DT).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

The final course grade is based on the grade of the examination "Examination I", 7,5 credits. However, Participated (DT) on all other examinations are requred for a passing grade to be awarded for the full course.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions 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 teaching materials

Required Reading

Esping-Andersen, Goesta (1990)
The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism
Cambridge: Polity Press

Pierson, Christopher (2006)
Beyond the welfare state?
Cambridge: Polity Press

Sainsbury, Diane (2012)
Welfare states and immigrant rights
Oxford University Press

Additions and Comments

Complementary articles: approx. 50 pages.