With Sweden and the Swedish welfare state as the starting point, the course will focus on different welfare state concepts and discuss the contemporary scenarios and changes in the welfare states of Europe and North America. The distinctive features of the ?Nordic Model? will be examined, as well as the characteristics which have distinguished the Swedish model. We will look at specific aspects of Sweden?s welfare system, including the labour market, education system, health care, family policy and the pension system. Finally, we will look at the effects of Europeanisation and globalisation and how they affect the welfare state model. The course is conducted in English and although it has been designed with exchange students in mind, all students wishing to gain a broad understanding of the Swedish welfare state model are very welcome to attend.