F1GD 5730 - Dynamics of Welfare State: Confronting Digitalization, Globalization, Climate Change and Inequality

***UPDATED for 2023/24***

The Welfare State, developed in Western countries in response to industrialization, has contributed to social and political stability during the 20th century. More recently, it seems to be in permanent crisis. Fiscal pressure and ageing of society have spurred cost cutting reforms. Information technologies and digitalisation can disrupt employment. Migration of people and mobility of labour itself change social patterns and challenge social cohesion. Inequality is on the rise, which is disputable from a moral point of view, and destabilizes economies and democracies.

What should be on the national and international political agenda to deal with the Welfare State challenges? Which reforms are needed to protect societies from social divide and rise of populism? What can countries learn from each other? What is the role of international organisations? What are practical tools for policy makers, diplomats and their advisors?

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge to understand the welfare state

2. Knowledge to understand how megatrends affect welfare states

3. Knowledge to understand the real world of policy making

Professional Skills

4. Skill to extract, interpret and analyze welfare policy information

5. Skill to present, defend and discuss policy briefing

6. Skill to write a precise and convincing policy paper

Miroslav BEBLAVY,Aart DE GEUS

Séminaire

English

- In Class Presence: 4 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

- Reading and Preparation for Class: on average 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester

- Research and Preparation for Group Work: 36 hours a semester

- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 42 hours a semester

None.

Spring 2023-2024

(i) Class participation (10%)

(ii) Q&A on the chosen topic for the individual policy paper (10%)

(iii) In groups of 3-5, students present, defend and discuss a comparative case-study (30%)

(iv) Final Kahoot (10%)

(i) Individual policy paper of +/- 2000 words (40%)

Lecture sessions have ample time for Q&A

Teachers give in-class feedback on Q&A, case-studies etc.