Course in the Undergradute Programme of Social and Public Policy
Lecturer: dr hab. Ryszard Szarfenberg, prof. ucz.
Short description
This course provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary social policy, moving beyond traditional welfare state models to engage with the complex challenges and debates shaping the field today. We will begin by examining the historical foundations of social policy and key theoretical frameworks used to understand welfare state development and variation. The course then shifts to a focus on critical contemporary issues, including the impact of changing gender norms, increasing diversity, and globalization. We will analyze the role of ideas, institutions, and transnational actors in shaping social policy responses. Finally, the course will address emerging challenges at the intersection of social policy and pressing global concerns, such as environmental sustainability, migration and populism, the role of religion, the impact of armed conflict, and economic inequality. Through a combination of theoretical analysis, comparative case studies, and engagement with current research, students will develop a sophisticated understanding of the forces shaping social policy in the 21st century. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-world policy challenges.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand Core Concepts: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and terminology used in contemporary social policy analysis, including (but not limited to):
Social citizenship, solidarity, welfare regimes, social exclusion, new social risks, social investment, defamilialization, globalization, and multiculturalism.
Analyze Theoretical Frameworks: Critically analyze and compare major theoretical approaches used to explain the development, variation, and transformation of welfare states, such as:
Industrialism, power resources theory, historical institutionalism, feminist perspectives, and global social policy perspectives.
Apply Theoretical Knowledge: Apply theoretical frameworks and concepts to analyze real-world social policy issues and debates, demonstrating the ability to:
Identify the underlying assumptions and values shaping different policy approaches.
Explain cross-national variations in social policy design and outcomes.
Assess the impact of social, economic, and political forces on policy change.
Evaluate Policy Responses: Critically evaluate social policy responses to contemporary challenges, such as:
Changing gender roles and family structures.
Increasing diversity (ethnic, racial, linguistic, religious).
Globalization and transnational forces.
Environmental sustainability and climate change.
Migration and populism.
Economic inequality.
Engage with Global Perspectives: Demonstrate an understanding of social policy issues and debates beyond the traditional focus on advanced industrial countries, including:
The role of international organizations and global governance.
Social policy challenges and innovations in the Global South.
The transnational dimensions of social policy (e.g., migration, care chains).
Develop Analytical Skills: Enhance critical thinking, analytical, and research skills, including the ability to:
Synthesize and evaluate complex information from diverse sources.
Formulate well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence.
Identify and critique underlying assumptions and biases.
Communicate effectively in written and oral forms.
Connect to curent affairs
Understand how current affairs shape social policies.
Analyze and comment current social policy debates
These learning outcomes are designed to be appropriate for undergraduate students, focusing on building a strong foundation of knowledge, developing analytical skills, and fostering critical engagement with contemporary social policy issues. They emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Mode of Teaching: in room
Language of Instruction: English
Learning and grading methods:
This course uses a variety of interactive and engaging learning methods to facilitate deep understanding and skill development:
Methods and Assessment Criteria
Assessment Components
1. Pre-class assignments (Google Forms) – 30%
2. In-class multiple choice tests (2 tests) – 15%
3. Term paper – 55%
Pre-Class Assignments (30%)
Students complete online assignments via Google Forms before each class, demonstrating engagement with required readings. Assignments include analysis of country cases and work with policy simulators. Deadline: 24 hours before class. Late submissions receive no credit. Students must complete at least 80% of assignments with satisfactory quality to pass this component.
In-Class Tests (15%)
Two multiple choice tests verify knowledge of key concepts, theories, and welfare regime typologies. Each test contributes 7.5% to the final grade.
Term Paper (55%)
Students write an analytical paper (2000-2500 words) on one of four options:
- Option A: Apply theoretical perspectives from Module 1 to analyse an emerging challenge (Module 2) in a selected country
- Option B: Analyse how one welfare regime responds to multiple emerging challenges
- Option C: Compare policy responses to the same challenge across two different welfare regimes
- Option D: Analyse a current social policy debate in your home country through the lens of course theories, positioning it within comparative welfare regime scholarship
Requirements: explicit use of at least one chapter from Béland and Mahon, at least one reading from Module 2, and current empirical material (post-2020 sources).
Scaffolded submission:
- Week 10: Paper outline (research question, selected option, theoretical frameworks)
- Week 14: Final paper
Assessment criteria:
- Research question and argument – 20%
- Application of theoretical frameworks – 30%
- Quality of empirical analysis – 30%
- Structure and use of sources – 20%
Grading Scale
- 91-100%: very good (5)
- 81-90%: good plus (4+)
- 71-80%: good (4)
- 61-70%: satisfactory plus (3+)
- 51-60%: satisfactory (3)
- 0-50%: fail (2)
Attendance
Students who miss more than three sessions without documented justification may be required to complete additional work.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
This course adopts a full AI integration approach. Students may use artificial intelligence tools as an assistant at any stage of their work to support learning, enhance creativity, and meet assessment requirements. There is no requirement to indicate which content was generated with AI assistance. However, students remain responsible for the final product and must ensure their submitted work demonstrates genuine understanding of course concepts and fulfils assessment criteria.