300034 Multi-level social policy - an introduction (S) (WiSe 2018/2019)

In this seminar, students get introduced into the meaning of social policy at different levels of governance. This means that, in the first half of the semester, we read and discuss literature on social policy in a national, supranational and global context, particularly focussing on approaches to multi-level governance. In the second half of the semester, we try to apply these theories and methodologies to a number of examples, such as EU social policy, Sustainable Development Goals as global social policy, global labour markets, and so on. In the first session, students are invited to suggest topics of their particular interest for two remaining sessions; for example, we could discuss the role of an international organisation like the ILO, World Bank or OECD in social policy.

The preparatory reading and any other material will be in English and may include secondary literature, as well as original documents, journal articles and other material such as films. The course language (lectures and presentations) will be in English as well. Therefore, a very good command of English is important for participating in the course. I hope for a diverse group of students with different disciplinary and national backgrounds and international experience.