YKPS3011 Comparative Social Policy (5 cr)

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Study level:

Advanced studies

Grading scale:

0-5

Language:

English, Finnish

Responsible organisation:

Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy

Curriculum periods:

2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

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In this study unit, students read texts on comparative social policy and prepare a small practical research project in a group.

Description

Students research urgent social problems, and use comparative methods to search for policy solutions. The course introduces different basics of comparative research. We look at both countries and different policy arenas. The course will also introduce you to reading and making comparative metrics and how different comparisons are presented (tables, charts, etc.), how to define and operational research questions, and how to report results.

Learning outcomes

Students who have taken the course will be able to compare various welfare state models, and describe how social and public policy functions in different contexts. They are able to prepare a small practical research project in a small group on a tight schedule, and communicate the results in reports and presentations.

Description of prerequisites

Recommended prerequisites: basic and intermediate studies in Social Sciences and Philosophy

Study materials

Required course work includes course readings and other material which will be discussed in the course.

Literature

Hall, P.A. & Soskice, D. (eds.): Varieties of Capitalism: the Institutional Foundations of Comparative Advantage (ISBN 978-0-19-924774-5)
Mahoney, J. & Thelen, K.: Explaining Institutional Change: Ambiguity, Agency and Power (ISBN 978-052-111-883-5)

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:

Lecture, group work, active participation, and/or individual work.

Evaluation criteria:

Active participation, presentation and/or written work.

Select all marked parts

Parts of the completion methods

Teaching (5 cr)

Type:

Participation in teaching

Grading scale:

0-5

Language:

English, Finnish

Teaching

10/25–12/13/2023 Lectures

3/20–5/22/2024 Lectures

Enrolment period:

12/1/2023 12:00 AM–3/13/2024 11:59 PM (late enrolment until 3/20/2024 11:59 PM)

Type:

Lectures

Language:

English

Responsible organisation:

Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy

Additional information:

This is a course to develop your comparative policy analysis, policy-focused research dissemination, team work, and presentation skills. In the contemporary world, it has become common to look to other countries for policy lessons. We will work on the topic of energy policy in international comparison, and in particular at the social and employment policy implications of the shift to renewable energy. In the period between 2018-2020, the levelized cost of solar and wind power has become lower than fossil fuels and nuclear for around 70% of the world’s population, and electric vehicles are proliferating. While this is good news for climate change, it has devastating implications for employment in sectors reliant on fossil fuels, such as coal mining and oil extraction, shipping, automobile manufacturing and especially parts, utilities, fueling stations, car dealerships and repair. Students will research policy and compare solutions to the socio-economic problems which will emerge this in different countries. This occurs through group research, and policy presentations. Each student will write a short policy brief with recommendations.

The course is a core MA course in Social and Public Policy, who have priority enrollment. Other students are welcome based on available space; there will probably be space. The course will be taught in English in Period 4, if there is demand for it, otherwise in Finnish. Regardless of the language of instruction, the written assignment can be completed in English or in Finnish, at the option of the student.

While the topic may seem interesting to the casual student, please keep in mind that this is a core MA level course with specific skill learning goals, and the workload is relatively high. Furthermore, it is group work, which can be done remotely, but please only enroll if you are committed to doing the work, as others in your group will be counting on you.