Course aims:

Learn the basic concepts and mechanisms of social policy design
Analyse the significant data for social problem identification at the local level
Understanding the mechanisms for redistributing welfare
Understanding the concept of the welfare state and its evolution
Knowledge of different types of social policies

Course Entry Requirements:

None

Course contents:

1. The definition and the features of public policies 2. The definition and the features of social policies 3. Political ideologies and social policy; major premises of social policy development 4. The welfare state; concept and evolution 5. The public-private partnership in welfare policy 6. The primary distribution of welfare 7. The secondary distribution of welfare (redistribution) 8. Redistribution mechanisms 9. Social policy indicators 10. Social policy under Communism 11. Social policy under transition 12. Anti-poverty and social inclusion policy 13. Integrated social policy; millennium development objectives

Teaching methods:

Lecture; conversation; exemplification;

Learning outcomes:

• Come up with social diagnosis in the specific context of the community's social and cultural norms • Design social policies for vulnerable groups and individuals • Implement policies and socials programs using specific procedures and methodologies

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Written exam = 60%, knowledge, scientific rigour and language, content organisation, originality.Practical project = 40%, project presentation, Active participation in seminars.

Recommended reading:

Manning, Nick, „Social Needs, Social Problems, and Social Welfare” in Alcock et.al.,, Wiley Blackwell, London, 2003, 35-41.
Walsh, M., Stephens, P., Moore, S, Social Policy and Welfare, Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham., 2000, 133-148.
Linda Luckhaus, Introduction — Social policy and social work, International Labour Organization, geneva, 2000, all.