This course aims to provide students with an introduction to social policies dealing with the most common
problems of modern societies and welfare state and how they are being formulated in the political process. These
challenges include work-life balance, gender inequalities and discrimination, homelessness and poor living
conditions and respective social services. For each topic, we first introduce the problem, its scope and relevance.
We illustrate the historical perspective and time evolution and talk about cross-country differences and the
possible reasons for these differences. Second, we discuss potential solutions and address specific policies that
could be used to tackle this issue. We investigate how the specific context of Central Europe shapes policies used
in the area and how that differs from Western countries. Third, we discuss the effectiveness of policies and
provide some evidence about what works and why. Finally, selected students provide a short overview of the
situation in their home country related to the issue at hand (the scope of the problem, policies used to tackle the
issue and the related costs and benefits). At the end, we compare the situation in the Czech Republic to the one
presented by students from their home countries and discuss potential implications for policy.
Last update: Mgr. Nikola Skladanová (13.07.2023)
This course aims to provide students with an introduction to social policies dealing with the most common
problems of modern societies and welfare state and how they are being formulated in the political process. These
challenges include work-life balance, gender inequalities and discrimination, homelessness and poor living
conditions and respective social services. For each topic, we first introduce the problem, its scope and relevance.
We illustrate the historical perspective and time evolution and talk about cross-country differences and the
possible reasons for these differences. Second, we discuss potential solutions and address specific policies that
could be used to tackle this issue. We investigate how the specific context of Central Europe shapes policies used
in the area and how that differs from Western countries. Third, we discuss the effectiveness of policies and
provide some evidence about what works and why. Finally, selected students provide a short overview of the
situation in their home country related to the issue at hand (the scope of the problem, policies used to tackle the
issue and the related costs and benefits). At the end, we compare the situation in the Czech Republic to the one
presented by students from their home countries and discuss potential implications for policy.
Registration requirements
Last update: Mgr. Nikola Skladanová (28.07.2023)
The teaching period of the UPCES courses begins on September 25, 2023 according to the schedule of the particular course.
UPCES classes are held weekly regardless of any national holidays as opposed to standard CU / FHS classes.
How to enroll in the course:
Enroll in the SIS (registration in the SIS is required before attending the first class) & show up to the course within the first and/or second week (at the latest) of the teaching period according to the schedule of the course.
Students can register for up to 2 UPCES courses (YBAU code) per semester in total.
Degree students can attend these courses from their second semester onwards.
For students enrolled at other CU Faculties, the UPCES courses are available only if the course capacity allows (i.e. not all the places are used by the Faculty of Humanities students), thus enrolment cannot be guaranteed in advance; availability to be checked in the SIS when the registration to courses opens.
Please note:
Organized in cooperation with a partner institution, the capacity of this course might be limited.
In order to allow other students to enroll, please, do not forget to deregister from all courses you decide not to take as soon as possible.
Please, be aware that regular class attendance is mandatory.
Aim of the course
Last update: Mgr. Nikola Skladanová (31.07.2023)
This is one of the courses of the study abroad Undergraduate Program in Central European Studies (UPCES) held in cooperation with the partner institution CERGE-EI. It is designed for the US students participating in the programme as a whole while the Czech and international students of the Faculty of Humanities are welcome to selecte single courses from the programme.
Teaching methods
Last update: Mgr. Nikola Skladanová (31.07.2023)
This is one of the UPCES courses held in cooperation with the partner institution CERGE-EI, designed for the US students and the Czech and international students of the Faculty of Humanities.
These courses are scheduled either twice (2x90 min.) or once (1x180 min.) a week in the CERGE-EI classrooms (Politických vězňů 7, Praha 1).
Attendance is mandatory. Regular attendance is necessary in order to get credit and grade.
Syllabus
Last update: Mgr. Nikola Skladanová (31.07.2023)
Students are required to follow the instructions and requirements specified in the course sylabus available at
