The course provides a framework for understanding, reviewing and critical analysis of alternative approaches to the study and the practice of international and transnational social policy. After attending this course, students will be able to:

• apply conceptual and theoretical foundations of international and transnational social policy,
• characterise social policies in comparative perspectives,
• evaluate the role of the EU for social policies and social protection,
• identify challenges of Europeanisation and internationalisation for social protection and social policy development
• discuss alternative social policy responses to these challenges against the background of major economic and social policy objectives,
• understand and discuss academic health and social policy papers. 

In addition, students will:

• gain practice and improve their skills in writing, presenting and discussing their ideas.

The first part of the course is based on inputs by the lecturer and group discussions. In the second part of the course, groups of students will focus on selected issues of international and transnational social policy, present their analyses and discuss selected issues in sub-group and/or plenary debates. In addition, there will be coaching sessions with student groups. Activities include:

• lectures
• team-based learning
• group discussions
• oral presentations
• written papers

This is a course offered for WU bachelor students (as Course IV in the Health and Social Policy specialization), and for incoming students as part of the English Program.