Social Economy PDF Print

ΚKΠ15 - Social Economy

Tutor: Michael Fefes

Semester: 5th
ECTS: 4.5

Short Description:

It is assumed that the student is already familiar with the basic concepts as regards the European Union and Social Policy. The course aims to describe the social economy sector, considered to be the third pole between private and public sector economy. We analyze the basic concepts of social economy, the importance and contribution to global and national economy, the underlying principles and institutions through which it operates (e.g. cooperatives, associations, foundations, NGOs etc.). Then we analyze the concepts of co-operative, association, foundation and mutual funds, that is the key players of any activity in the social economy, producing goods and services valuable to the community, creating jobs and providing solutions to local communities that the other two sectors of economy cannot offer. Finally we discuss the meaning and function of the European Co-operative, which is the first pillar of the European Institutions of Social Economy.

Aims:

  • To help students understand and become familiar with the basic concepts described above.
  • To help students support and supplement the knowledge gained from other courses.
  • To guide students to engage actively in social economy, a growing sector, which will improve them both in terms of social behaviour and participation in social activities and will also become an important asset for their future professional security and development.

Learning Outcomes:

Students completing the course should:

  • Have developed their knowledge of economics, economic policy and the functioning of the social economy sector at international, EU and national level;
  • Know the differences between sectors of the economy and the specificity of social economy;
  • Know the modes and operating procedures of social economy, the opportunities for fundraising and the methods of administration and management of human resources involved in their activities;
  • Have the ability to work as executives in the social economy actors.

Structure:

The course includes 13 three-hour interactive lectures.The first part is an introductive tutorial, followed by discussion with the students on issues pertaining to that or previous tutorials.

Assessment:

Assessment will be through a written exam at the end of the semester.

Bibliography:

Tutors’ Notes