European Social Policy (U03820)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : SPS-2-SPESP2h

The comparative growth of European welfare states; expenditure trends, reasons for distinctive structures, and the relation between public, private and informal sectors. Particular attention will be given to health and social security policy. The social policy activities of the European Union; its structures, processes and competences, the attempts by the Commission to extend its role, particular initiatives including those on poverty and equal opportunities. Developments resulting from globalisation and the recent enlargement of the EU.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Social Policy, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	12:10	13:00	Lecture Theatre 2, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	12:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	12:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Plus tutorials.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide an understanding of the role of social policy in the European Union and the way the welfare state has developed in different European countries.

By the end of the course students should have acquired a critical understanding of the models used to classify European welfare states and the general challenges they now face; the differing structures of social provision (with particular reference to social security and health) in Germany, Italy, France, Scandinavia and the eastern 'accession' states; the significance of the 'social dimension' for the European Union and the problems facing attempts to promote common EU social policies; and the future of social policy in an enlarged EU.