The course approaches the welfare states and social model in the EU from the legislation phases with respect to the relevant economic policies under Europe's democratic background and also introduces the concepts about European Identity. There are needs for the reform in the social policies regarding its sustainability while the EU is facing globalization and other social and economic problems.

CILO-1: Identify the origins and history of the rise of welfare state in Europe. CILO-2: Summarize the main features and problems of Europe’s social welfare models today. CILO-3: Discuss the social and economic basic rights of EU citizens and also the consciousness and dilemma between European identity and national identities. CILO-4: Relate social policies and political identity to the single market factors and solidarity of the integration process. CILO-5: Discuss the EU’s challenges and competence in social policy-making, its agenda towards a Social Union and the latest development in relevant policies.