SIW4000 Comparative Social Welfare Theory and Concepts Emneplan

The course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative design and statistical analysis for use in the student's own master's thesis. The course focus on the possibilities and limitations of different quantitative designs, understanding various data sources, and quality requirements for studies based on statistical analysis within a social science research tradition.

The course includes in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional design, longitudinal design, experiment, and the survey method. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge of conditions that may affect the validity and reliability of a survey and skills in assessing such conditions. Furthermore, students will both learn and not least practice univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses.

There will be a particular focus on regression analysis. Through lectures, e-resources and seminars, students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills in the use of regression-based analysis. 

Language of instruction is English.

None.

A student who has completed his or her qualification has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of key concepts in the theory and comparative analysis of social welfare policies
• has advanced knowledge of explanatory models, such as the logic of industrialism, institutional and state-centered approaches, and power resource theory
• has advanced knowledge of normative perspectives on social welfare
• has advanced knowledge of concepts that are relevant for assessing the outcomes of social welfare policies 

Skills

The student

• can apply theoretical concepts, normative perspectives and explanatory models in the analysis of social policies, in a national as well as international context

General competence

The student

• is able to critically evaluate the use of concepts and models in academic as well as political debates about social policies

To be eligible to take the exam, the student must have submitted a project outline, which must be approved by the course supervisor. 

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version by a given deadline. 

The exam in the course consists of two parts: a multiple-choice exam, and a written course paper. 

A 2-hour multiple-choice school exam. Counts for 30 per cent of the final grade.  

Semester assignment with a maximum length of 10 pages (+/- 10 percent). Font and font-size: Calibri 12 pt. Line spacing: 1.5. Tables and figures are in addition. Counts for 70 per cent of the final grade.  

All parts of the exam must be passed in order to pass the course. If one of the exam components is evaluated as not passed, the failed component may be retaken.  

School exam: No aids are allowed.  

Semester assignment: All aids are permitted, as long as source citation rules are complied with.  

Grade scale A - F. 

The exam papers are assessed by an internal and an external examiner. A random selection consisting of at least 25% of the exam papers will be graded by two examiners which will form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Mats Eirik Lillehagen

Axel West Pedersen