SOS4902 – The Scandinavian welfare state model
Course content
This course begins with an outline of the theory of welfare state regimes, and with an examination of what characterizes the Nordic or ‘social democratic’ model of the welfare state as compared to other welfare regimes in Europe. Special attention is paid to the development of social citizenship in Scandinavia; the right to social security; the expansion of publicly funded services in education, health and welfare; and welfare state intervention to facilitate the balancing of work and family life. Further, this new social order, and the implications for society of the expansion of public responsibility, is investigated.
Learning outcome
The aim of this course is to give students a theoretically informed introduction to the Scandinavian welfare state model, its main characteristics and how it compares with other models. Students are encouraged to submit written or oral presentations.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Admission to the master program or 2-3 years of completed studies in the social sciences.
Teaching
Seminars in which lectures and student activity are combined. The course is designed for both Norwegian students and students on exchange programmes or bilateral agreements. All teaching will be given in English.
Examination
Students will be evaluated by a 4-hour written examination and an essay on a topic of the course. The written examination constitutes 60% of the final grade, and the course paper 40%. The ECTS grading scale (A-F) will be used. Guidelines for the course paper
The written exam in sociology normally consists of two parts. In part 1, the student defines/discusses three out of four concepts provided. The first part counts as 1/3 of the final grade. Part 2 is an essay for which the student chooses between two options provided. This part counts as 2/3 of the final grade.
Explanations and appeals
Explanations & appeals at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography
Other
This course has been arranged primarily for exchange students and will be taught only if there are exchange students who wish to take it. If the course is taught as planned, it will also be open to MA students in sociology as a theory specialization course.