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:
PowerPoint presentations:
Used to present basic concepts and theories, providing visual aids to better understand complex ideas. These presentations serve as a basis for further discussion and analysis.
Google Forms:
Used for quick assessments, surveys and gathering student feedback. This tool allows for real-time data collection and analysis, supporting an adaptive learning environment that meets students' needs.
Flipped classroom:
Students review course materials (readings) before class, allowing them to focus on discussions, problem solving and application of concepts. This approach promotes active learning and deeper engagement with the topic.
Student debates:
Organised around key issues in politics and the politics of redistribution. These debates enhance critical thinking, argumentation skills and the ability to consider multiple perspectives on complex issues.
Grading rules:
Attendance: an attendance list must be signed at each class. Missing two classes has no consequences. If you miss more than two classes, you should meet the lecturer during his/her duty hours the following week and pass the missed topic. Missing more than six classes will result in failing the course.
Examination: Examination test with multiple choice questions.
Class participation: students are required to read the readings before class, ask questions, participate in discussions and complete assignments.
Grades: Averaging the grades for all performance results