300463 Politics of Social Policy (MA: Politikwissenschaft) (S) (SoSe 2024)

The seminar acquaints students with the politics of social policy making and decisions. Combining the main theoretical and analytical approaches with empirical case studies, the seminar aims to provide the essential analytical and theoretical tools to understand how social policy decisions are formulated and implemented across four units. Unit 1 provides a historical perspective on the evolution, consolidation, and challenges faced by the welfare state in Europe and globally. Unit 2 and 3 delve into the four institutionalist traditions and the power resource theory to study social policy decisions, particularly in the fields of health and education. Unit 4 looks at the impact of international and supranational organizations on national social policy making. Throughout the seminar, students are encouraged to build on the theoretical discussions held in class and to cultivate critical thinking skills.

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

A good command of English language is necessary as lectures and readings will be in English.

Literaturangaben

Readings and other materials will be made available in Lernraum.