Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students are expected to

  • be familiar with common classifications of welfare states, and what dimensions these are built on
  • be able to place specific programmes of Norway or other countries into welfare state typologies
  • be ready to discuss driving forces behind welfare policies
  • be able to discuss likely consequences of various types of welfare policies
  • be ready to discuss areas in which welfare policies show strong variation or change

Contents

The course will investigate political measures among the Nordic welfare states regarding:

• advantages and limitations of different methods for comparing welfare policies

• income security and services in various life situations

• how welfare policies affect the distribution of income and people's opportunities for action

• child-care, equality and the division of labour in the family

• possible behavioural effects of welfare policies

The course will investigate changes within and between countries regarding these topics

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures. Expected workload is about 270 hours.

Examinations

  • Individual written assignment that consitutes 40 % of the final grade.
  • 3 hour individual exam that consitutes 60 % of the final grade. Graded on a scale, A-F.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability / capacity, admission requirements as for master's programs in sociology and social work
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 9:54:28 AM