Course content

The course problematizes central sociological questions concerning social inequality, welfare and integration in late modern societies and explores how those questions are interrelated. The focus of the course is on central theoretical perspectives and concepts, but also on empirical findings from the international and Norwegian research. The course links those discussions to analyses of the current societal issues and phenomena, such as the future of the welfare state, transformations of work-life and labour market, mobility and migration.

The aim of the course is to encourage PH.D. candidates to critically explore and develop the existing theoretical perspectives at the cross-section between social inequality, welfare and integration research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge outcomes:

• Students acquire a sound knowledge about the central theories concerning the field of social inequality, welfare and integration.

Competence outcomes:

• Students are able to independently explore and theorize a chosen aspect concerning social inequality, welfare and integration, and present the findings in a draft of article of international level.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/group discussions. Supervision of paper. The paper is to be an independent discussion of a topic taught in lectures, and is to consist of 20 pages. If 6 or fewer students sign up for a planned course during the first 2 teaching weeks, the course will be offered as an instructed reading course.

Required previous knowledge

Masters degree in Sociology or equivalent.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions