Society, policy and evaluation

Academic year: 2009-2010 Course code module 1MSOC_020 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Jozef Breda Bea Cantillon Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties No specific prerequisites required. *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The cluster “Society, Policy and Evaluation” aims at providing the student with insight in this material by offering general theoretical concepts and models as well as actual case studies. 3. Course content Our society is characterised by constant and rapid changes in various areas of life (economics, demographics, politics, well-being, values and norms,...). This means that the government is constantly required to find new answers for the social existence- and development conditions of its citizens. Social policy is characterised by acting rationally in a controllable world. But this policy is strongly influenced by limitations, areas of tension, conflicting logic and risks. Economic conditions, socio-cultural and demographic conditions and human failure all influence the results of this policy-making. Moreover there exist limitations and/or unintended expectations of policy as a consequence of societal shifts, institutional factors, political power-relationships and – preferences and dominant portrayals of mankind.     The course is divided in two parts. The theoretical part will focus on the determinants, models, and instruments, and evaluation of policy:   ·         Social policy and the exchange with politics ·         Determinants of social policy (functionalism, institutionalism and power resource theory) ·         Models, instruments and results of social policy (social security, evidence-based policy, evaluation of results, unintended consequences of policy) ·         Contemporary policy developments   In the second part actual case studies are treated; each time we aim at inviting a guest speaker with specific experience:   ·         The Flemish care insurance: by W. Demeester ·         The new financing of universities: by B. Cantillon ·         Environmental policy: by A. Crabbé ·         The activation of the unemployed andminimum wage recipients: by M. De Coninck ·         The Flat-tax: by G. Verbist PSW students will be given two exam assignments. The student is expected, in a first paper, to analyse a policy matter from the perspective of the theoretical concepts treated in the first part of the course. The second assignment deals with analysing a specific case study based on the theoretical and practical seminars. SEW students are only required to do the first part. They will also be given, in collaboration with Professor Van Poeck, several case studies that will enable them to make an analysis of the policy based on both sociological and economic methodologies. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Written assignment: With oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material / 7. Recommended reading - study material Nihil. 8. Tutoring After class and by appointment. laatste aanpassing: last update: 06/01/2010 10:46 pieter.spooren