The capstone is an individual and independently written essay of 10-15 pages (without eventual appendices) based on scientific articles. In the capstone students expose the skills in writing a scientific essay on a selected topic within a particular field of science. In this particular capstone the topics (at least two) among which to choose are related to the course European Labour Markets and Welfare States.

Students enrolled develop the skill in writing an essay on a scientific level that is based on scientific articles.

Students propose their own specific topic within the general theme of the capstone assignment of this course: (i) the design, (ii) the impact and/or (iii) the reform of labour (market) or social policy within Europe. The typical example could be to analyse a specific labour market or social policy (reform) in a country of the EU, or the impact of the Great Recession on the labour market of a country. Comparative research between countries or welfare states is also an option.
Chapters from annual publications like OECD's Employment Outlook, OECD's Society at a Glance, or EU's Employment and Social Developments in Europe may provide useful starting points. When selecting this option students should send an email to the coordinator immediately after registration. A brief proposal, including an initial reference list with at least four academic economic articles, should be send before Monday of the week before the skills period. The proposal has to be approved by the coordinator.

EU, Employment and Social Developments in Europe, various year

OECD, Employment Outlook, various years

OECD, Society at a Glance, various year

Further details and recommended literature can be found on the course website on EleUM (EBC2096: European Labour Markets and Welfare States)

Students enrolled in this capstone are required to participate in or having participated in the course European labour Markets and Welfare States (EBC2096).