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WiSe 20/21: Health versus economy? Introduction to the welfare state

Daniel Louis Nethery

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Subject: Subject: Since the middle of the twentieth century western European welfare states like Germany have achieved economic growth and improved public health. Now that lockdowns and other measures in response to the pandemic appear to set economic and health outcomes at odds, there is no better time to ask: What is a welfare state? Program: We will discuss several influential theories of the welfare state and relate these theories to the history of the German welfare state, arguably the oldest in the world. Some of the most important theories of the welfare state are comparative, so you will hear other students talk about the economy and public health in their countries, and you will present the situation in your own country to them. By the end of the course you will have learnt how different disciplines approach the study of the welfare state, and you will have combined these approaches to gain a broad understanding of the German welfare state today. Assessment: To obtain 5 ECTS points you will need to attend the course regularly, engage with the course materials, and pass the final examination. Prerequisites: This course is open to students in the humanities, social sciences and cultural studies. Practicalities: There will be no class in week 1 (6 November), weeks 5 and 6 (4 and 11 December) or week 13 (12 February). In those weeks you will complete, online, exercises based on the course materials. close