16863

WiSe 17/18: The Social Market Economy in Germany and the EU

Anja Gaentzsch

Comments

Subject: This economics course will discuss the theoretical foundations, basic elements and principles of social market economies in a comparative European perspective. While the focus lies on Germany, other European models will be analyzed and compared to the German model. Program: The course will consist of three thematic blocks. The first one will focus on the theoretical foundations of the social market economy vis-à-vis other systems of economic exchange. We will discuss how social market economies compare to other forms of economic organization, why markets sometimes fail and what rationale social welfare systems built upon. The second block will focus on the social market economy in Germany. Here, we will review the historical evolution and status quo of the welfare state before analyzing different instruments of social protection and the German model of social partnership in more detail. Finally, the third block will compare the German model to other European welfare systems, in particular the ‘Third Way’ in the UK and the Nordic model. Is this course suitable for you? This course is open to students from the Arts & Humanities, Cultural Studies, Social Sciences and Economics, especially those with an interest in economic theory and the functioning of economic systems. The course will span both theoretical discussions and the analysis of social welfare policies in Germany and other European countries. Participants should be prepared to read and discuss academic texts in English language from the fields of economics and social policy. Further, students are expected to give a presentation on a topic of their choice related to the program. Workload & Assessment: In order to obtain 5 ECTS credits, you will have to • attend the course regularly (at least 80% of the sessions); • study the weekly course materials (an average of 20-30 pages of English readings per week); • Give a presentation in class (individual or group work, depending on class size); • pass the final written examination (90 minutes). close

16 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Fri, 12:00 - 14:00 16 Class schedule

Fri, 2017-10-20 12:00 - 14:00

Lecturers:
Anja Gaentzsch