The “social policy” area of concentration addresses global and international dimensions of social policy and social administration. It also covers regional and local social policies and their relationship with international economic and societal developments. It deals with institutional and governance issues, such as economic integration and social welfare, as well as with specific topical areas, such as poverty and social exclusion, health and long-term care or work and income.

The course “Globalisation and Social Policy I”

1. introduces/refreshes basic economic concepts in the design and implementation of social policy
2. provides deeper insights into major areas of social policy (e.g. pensions, health, labour market and poverty policy)
3. presents selected policy issues and related research strands within and across major areas of social policy 
4. discusses the interrelationships between globalization and social policy

The aim of “Globalisation and Social Policy (Part 1)” is to improve the understanding of key concepts and theories of social policy and social policy analysis in the context of globalisation, including: (a) the institutional, economic and cultural context of social policy, (b) principles of welfare systems and social policies and (c) alternative theoretical approaches to the analysis and the explanation of social problems and of social policies. After attending this course, students will be able to

• describe and analyse key concepts of social policy,
• know and understand main theories of welfare systems and social policies,
• outline the institutional context for social policies and social policy development,
• develop an awareness of the broader context for global social challenges,
• know key dimensions and concepts of globalization
• identify key challenges of globalisation for social policy and the impact social policy has on globalisation,
• articulate and compare alternative approaches to social policy analysis, and
• apply alternative theories and concepts to specific problem sets.

Didactic lectures will be combined with interactive lectures. Class discussion and group work will provide further opportunities for active participation.

Students will be expected to prepare brief input presentations on foundational concepts of social policy (insurance, poverty trap, equity & equality, discrimination, ...) . They will develop and present a group project in oral and written form and develop an individual research proposal.

assessments (relative weights in the final grade): 

• active participation (10%)
• individual input on one foundational concept in social policy & globalisation (10%)
• 30-minute-presentation (teams of 3-4 students) (25%)
• Policy and research brief for a selected policy area (teams of 3-4 students) (25%)
• individual research proposal (30%)

Grades (point ranges)

• 1: Excellent (90-100 points)
• 2: Good (75-89 points)
• 3: Satisfactory (60-74 points)
• 4: Sufficient (50-59 points)
• 5: Fail (0-49 points)

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During breaks and after class.

For scheduling an appointment please send an email to:
ulrike.schneider@wu.ac.at