Syllabus
Family policy: concepts, reforms, and effects (JSM791)
Course Description
This (online) course aims to advance the knowledge of students in the field of family policy. It introduces major family policy paradigms (concepts) prominent in family policy today, discusses reforms and the difficulties of their implementation, and incorporates practical seminars in which students themselves will simulate (through tax-benefit microsimulation model of the European Union EUROMOD) family policy changes and evaluate their effects.
Mode of Delivery
Online
Workload 1,5 hour intensive seminars every week over the teaching period unless otherwise notified. Students will be expected to undertake a further 5-6 hours independent learning each week over the semester (to prepare discussion assignments).
Prerequisites
Model
Public and Social Policy
Phone
+49 561 804-3214
Email martin.gurin@uni-kassel.de
Office hours for student consultation
By appointment
Tutor
Martin Gurín
WINTER SEMESTER 2023-24
COURSE OVERVIEW
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to: i. Identify the actors and processes involved in family policy (making). ii. Identify and critique policy and governance frameworks relevant to critical arenas of family policy regulations. iii. Understand the role of social policy in social change.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task
Value
Seminars concerns
Linked Learning Outcomes 1. Collective assignment 40% of the final grade 13th Seminar i, ii, & iii 2. Reading assignments and class debate 40% of the final grade 2-7th Seminar i, ii, & iii 3. Participation in practical seminars 20% of final grade 9-12th Seminar iii
Feedback
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
· Verbal feedback of a formative nature during seminars;
· Written feedback of a formative nature based on individual assignments; and
· Written feedback of a summative nature based on final (collective) assignment.
Student Feedback
· Continuous and final feedback will be provided in both verbal and written way. Students are free to provide feedback on all aspects of the course: literature, content, organisation as well as study load.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Date
Topic
Assessment
Module 1: Theoretical part: concepts and reforms 03.10.2023 1
Introduction 10.10.2023 2
Dominant paradigms: critical reflection
Reading assignment 17.10.2023 3
Freedom of choice: freedom or trap?
Reading assignment 24.10.2023 4
Implementation of family policies
Reading assignment 31.10.2023 5
Family policy in times of austerity
Reading assignment 07.11.2023 6
Politics of ideas: Childcare guarantees for children up to age 1
Class debate 14.11.2023 7
Family policy and LGBTQ+
Reading assignment
Module 2: Practical part: Microsimulations 21.11.2023 8
Introduction to microsimulations
Short report 28.11.2023 9
Introduction to EUROMOD
Active participation 05.12.2023 10
Practical – simulating reforms I
Active participation 12.12.2023 11
Practical – simulating reforms II
Active participation 19.12.2023 12
Practical – Hypothetical household tool
Active participation 02.01.2024 13
Conclusion of the course
Collective assignment (presentation)
ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
General design: In assessing Seminar participation, the following criteria will be taken into consideration:
· (I) Discussion of the required literature („individual“ assignments) o Demonstration of preparation (i.e. done the reading and thought about it); o Demonstration of understanding of or engagement with the topic; o Raising relevant questions, points and challenges; and o Listening actively and responding to others in a constructive fashion.
§ Based on weekly assignments (written, uploaded via Moodle, 0-25%) and compulsory class debate (0-15%)
· (II) Active participation in the practical (0-20%) o Fulfilment of tasks o Creativity and analytical skills.
· (III) Preparation of the final assignment – group presentation („collective“ assignment) - compulsory o Preparation within the semester, results being presented at the 13th seminar in January (0-40%) o Short report to be handed in the mid-term.
· Students need to fulfil at least 80% to pass the course.
Assessment I – individual assignments
Students are required to read compulsory weekly literature and prepare answers to set questions.
· Discussion of the comprehension questions in several (2-4) subgroups o Need to find the super answer! o What are the answered? Where can answers be found? à complete your answers. o Do you have any questions regarding literature? o Are you curious about any specific topic that can be covered later in the course?
Continuously: there should be some feedback about the literature: how easy/difficult is to comprehend the literature (= evaluation of academic texts/writing)
Contributing to discussions can be difficult for some students, especially those who have English as a Second Language (ESL), but there are different ways of contributing to discussion:
Giving an example to illustrate what someone else has said;
Agreeing, but adding some suggestions;
Comparing what has been said to something else you