Contemporary changes of welfare state 2103-L-D6WPPD
- https://classroom.google.com/c/MjExNjQzNTk1MjFa (term 2024L)
Course topics (the order of topics is indicative and may change during the semester):
Introduction. The concept and definitions of the welfare state. New challenges facing welfare states in the first decades of the 21st century. The welfare state from an economic perspective.
Models of welfare states. Contemporary directions in the evolution of the main welfare-state models.
The liberal model – the USA. Changes in social policy in developed countries in the 21st century.
The social-democratic model – Sweden.
The conservative-corporatist model – Germany.
The Mediterranean/Southern European model – Italy.
The radical/targeted model – Australia.
Currents of criticism of welfare-state institutions in the 1970s.
The evolution of the Polish welfare state: from real socialism to a market economy and parliamentary democracy.
Scenarios for the development of welfare states in the era of globalization: outrage and polarization.
Scenarios for the development of welfare states in the era of globalization: the role of empathy.
Course wrap-up.
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Term 2024L:
Topics of the seminar: |
Term 2025L:
Course topics (the order of topics is indicative and may change during the semester): |
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
General: obligatory courses | Term 2024L: elective seminars obligatory courses | Term 2025L: elective seminars obligatory courses |
Mode
Learning outcomes
The course will contribute to achieving the following learning outcomes specified in the study programme:
- The student describes and explains the terminology of comparative and international social policy and has knowledge of the place of social policy as a discipline within the system of sciences; the student also describes and explains the basic methods and techniques used to conduct research in the field of social policy (K_W01).
- The student describes and explains the types, manifestations, structures, and dynamics of social problems at the national, local, and global levels, as well as the relationships between them and their structural determinants in the context of contemporary transformations of the welfare state (K_W02).
- The student describes and explains the system of social policy institutions in the national context and in selected foreign countries (including EU member states) (K_W09).
- The student interprets social phenomena related to transformations of the welfare state, accurately identifying social problems, social issues, and social risks, and indicates their economic and socio-demographic determinants in the context of social policy (K_U01).
- The student critically analyses social programmes and social policy measures across different scales and domains, including identifying interests and value systems embedded in a social programme and explaining their links to specific policy solutions, in the context of welfare-state transformations (K_U02).
- The student critically evaluates their own knowledge and external communications in the field of international and comparative social policy, and recognises the importance of scientific evidence for social policy as a practical activity, in the context of welfare-state transformations (K_K01).
Assessment criteria
The final exam will be in the form of a written exam, where students are required to answer two open-ended questions covering the topics discussed during the seminar.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools:
In accordance with Resolution No. 29/2025 of the Didactic Council of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools during this course is regulated based on the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS).
Level of allowed AI use: Level 4 – Critical Evaluation of AI-generated Content
Students are allowed to use AI tools to generate content only for specific tasks. However, all AI-generated outputs must be clearly marked and accompanied by a critical assessment of their accuracy, relevance, and biases. Students must demonstrate their own analytical and reflective input in all assignments.
Permitted uses may include:
Using AI to draft selected parts of a written assignment (with proper citation).
Comparing AI-generated and human-written texts.
Critically evaluating AI-generated content for reliability and bias.
Integrating AI content into broader projects with student-led synthesis.
Important rules:
Any use of AI must be disclosed.
All AI-generated content must be cited in footnotes and acknowledged in the declaration.
Failure to comply with these rules will be treated as a breach of academic integrity.
Students are encouraged to develop their digital and AI literacy by engaging critically with AI tools, while maintaining the standards of academic honesty, autonomy, and ethical responsibility.
Practical placement
Not applicable
Bibliography
The readings for the course may be changed or updated during the semester.
I. J. Schustereder, Welfare State Change in Leading OECD Countries. GABLER RESEARCH.
N. Barr, Shifting Tides. Dramatic social changes mean the welfare state is more necessary than ever.
Ryszard Szarfenberg, Pożegnanie państwa opiekuńczego?
http://rszarf.ips.uw.edu.pl/pdf/ws_pozegnanie.pdf
Charles R. Atherton, The Welfare State: Still on Solid Ground, Social Service Review , Jun., 1989, Vol. 63, No. 2 (Jun., 1989), pp. 167-179, The University of Chicago Press.
B. Greve, Rethinking Welfare and the Welfare State. Edward Elgar.
The literature will be made available to the students during the classes.
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Term 2024L:
I. J. Schustereder, Welfare State Change in Leading OECD Countries. GABLER RESEARCH. |
Term 2025L:
The readings for the course may be changed or updated during the semester. |
Notes
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Term 2024L:
- |
Term 2025L:
Not applicable |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: