SN4100 Sustainable Welfare Policies in the Making: Global Challenges to the Nordic Welfare Model Emneplan

The Nordic welfare states have traditionally been known for being egalitarian. Hallmarks of the model have been universal welfare rights, well-regulated labour markets, high labour market participation rates, generous and inclusive welfare benefits, and active family policies that have promoted the labour market inclusion of women. Even though the picture is slightly more complicated - the Nordic models also comprise characteristics such as contributory benefits, conditionality and even working poor- in a global perspective the Nordic model is relatively generous and rights based.

In recent years, the Nordic countries have been put under stress by a number of global challenges: climate change, the financial crisis, digitalisation, migration, energy distribution, and demographic change. Such challenges have sparked political debate about how to adapt the Nordic welfare state systems in order to meet these crises, and still preserve the key characteristics of the model. This provides us with a lense to study political change and how it comes about, and the role of factors such as path dependency, austerity, agenda setting, ideology and interests, in policy making this again provides us with the tools to discuss if and how the Nordic model can sustain itself, and how the solutions and adaptations chosen sets it apart from welfare models in other countries and regions. How is sustainability addressed in these processes - and what are the normative foundations for the discussion?

The course aims to provide an understanding of Nordic policy responses to new global challenges. The course will critically assess political process theory, institutional perspectives, different governance models in dealing with the challenges, and post-growth.

None.

Language of instruction: Norwegian

This course builds on the course MAMUS4100. The course presents the knowledge basis for diagnostics, occurrence, risk factors, mechanisms, pathways and treatment for the most common forms of musculoskeletal conditions (MSDs). It takes a more in-depth look at the existing knowledge-basis for examination, treatment and preventive measures for the most common MSDs. The topics will be presented from a life course perspective.

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as a physiotherapist.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can assess knowledge on function, symptoms and health-related quality of life relating to the most common MSDs

Skills

The student

• can apply and critically reflect on knowledge relating to diagnostics, occurrence, risk factors, mechanisms and pathways when working with patients with the most common MSDs
• can apply and critically reflect on the use of guidelines for treating the most common MSDs in clinical practice
• can analyse and discuss the results of assessments and examinations of children/adults/older adults with the most common MSDs

General competence

The student

• can implement up-to-date knowledge on diagnostics, examination and treatment/prevention of the most common MSDs
• can communicate up-to-date disciplinary knowledge to collaborative partners and the population at large

The course will use varied, student-active work methods. Teaching is organised as two one-week sessions on campus. Work methods comprise lectures, flipped classroom, seminars, presentations, group work and self-study. Presentations at the seminars are important to support the learning process.

The following must have been approved in order for a student to be permitted to take the examination:

• An oral presentation of the group assignment and give oral feedback to another group’s presentation (peer assessment/opponent), with a duration of up to 25 minutes.
• Individual oral presentation of an assignment and give feedback to a fellow student, with a duration of up to 15 minutes

Individual home examination over two weeks. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 10%).

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.