School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Course Syllabus

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)

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.

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 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.

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

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).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. 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 reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

The grades will be translated to the ECTS grading scale.

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

Standard university admission requirements.

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

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).

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.

Required Reading

Complementary articles: approx. 50 pages.
Artiklar om ca 50 sidor kan tillkomma.

See this Course Syllabus as PDF