Social policy and employment [ LEUSL2716 ]

A good knowledge of EU institutional framework.

The course includes three main sections (note that the precise content of each section is subject to change). Section 1 is devoted to a comparative analysis of the various welfare arrangements (or "social models") within the European Union. We focus on the origins and development of European welfare states, with a few references to non-EU countries such as the US and Canada. Section 2 is devoted to the policies of the European Union itself, with special emphasis on the "Lisbon Strategy" and its ramifications. The EU policy instruments such as the Open Method of Coordination and the European Social Fund are also analyzed. Finally, in a concluding section, one will reflect upon the very idea of a "European social model" after the Lisbon Treaty.

The main objective of the course is twofold. On the one hand, it consists in exploring the important diversity of social and employment policies within EU member-states. On the other hand, the course will also deal with the action of EU institutions in social and employment policies. In this perspective, we will also focus on the idea of a so-called "Social Europe".

Written exam, including a question of reflection on a concrete case (for instance a newspaper article or a Press release).

Lectures with Powerpoint presentations. Discussions with the class. Lectures notes will be made available in due course.

Regular attendance at the lessons is highly recommended.