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	13^th Seminar	i, ii, & iii
2. Reading assignments and class debate	40% of the final grade	2-7^th Seminar	i, ii, & iii
3. Participation in practical seminars	20% of final grade	9-12^th 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