Study Program
Social Economy
Course Overview: The Bachelor of Arts in Social Economy is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a profound understanding of the intersection between economics, social justice, and sustainable development. This degree delves into the principles of social enterprises, cooperatives, non-profits, and other models that prioritize social value over profit. It fosters a holistic view of economic systems, emphasizing ethical considerations, community impact, and long-term sustainability.
Program Objectives:
- Provide students with a foundational knowledge of economic theories, with a focus on social and cooperative economic models.
- Cultivate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the social economy sector.
- Develop skills in ethical decision-making, social entrepreneurship, and community development.
- Promote critical thinking and encourage students to envision innovative solutions to societal challenges using economic tools.
Course Structure: The program spans over four years, divided into eight semesters, blending both theoretical coursework and practical experiences.
Year 1: Introduction to Economics, Social Economy Foundations, Principles of Sociology, Ethical Considerations in Business.
Year 2: Social Entrepreneurship, Cooperative Economics, Non-Profit Management, Microfinance and Development.
Year 3: Social Impact Measurement, Community Development, Sustainable Business Models, Global Perspectives on Social Economy.
Year 4: Advanced Social Economy Theories, Social Innovation Lab, Economic Policies for Social Good, Capstone Project in Social Economy.
Practical Experiences: Students will have the opportunity to intern with social enterprises, cooperatives, or non-profit organizations. They will also participate in community projects, workshops, and case study analyses to gain hands-on experience in the field of social economy.
Career Opportunities: Graduates will be poised to embark on careers in a variety of sectors, including social enterprises, non-profit organizations, government agencies focusing on social welfare, and consultancy firms specializing in social impact. They can also pursue entrepreneurial ventures that align with the principles of the social economy.
Year 1:
- Introduction to Economics Exam
- Basic economic principles and theories
- Supply and demand, market structures
- Introduction to macroeconomics and microeconomics
- Social Economy Foundations Exam
- History and evolution of the social economy
- Distinction between traditional and social economy models
- Principles of social value creation
- Principles of Sociology Exam
- Sociological perspectives and theories
- Social structures, institutions, and change
- The role of culture in society
- Ethical Considerations in Business Exam
- Business ethics and corporate social responsibility
- Ethical dilemmas in the business world
- Stakeholder theory and management
Year 2:
- Social Entrepreneurship Exam
- Principles of social entrepreneurship
- Case studies of successful social enterprises
- Challenges and opportunities in social ventures
- Cooperative Economics Exam
- History and principles of cooperatives
- Economic benefits of cooperative models
- Case studies of cooperative successes and failures
- Non-Profit Management Exam
- Organizational structures of non-profits
- Funding, governance, and strategic planning for non-profits
- Impact measurement and evaluation in non-profits
- Microfinance and Development Exam
- Principles and history of microfinance
- Role of microfinance in economic development
- Critiques and challenges in microfinance
Year 3:
- Social Impact Measurement Exam
- Tools and methodologies for impact measurement
- Quantitative and qualitative approaches
- Case studies on impact assessment
- Community Development Exam
- Theories of community development
- Role of economic systems in community growth
- Strategies for sustainable community development
- Sustainable Business Models Exam
- Sustainability in business operations
- Triple bottom line approach
- Case studies of sustainable businesses
- Global Perspectives on Social Economy Exam
- Social economy models around the world
- Comparative analysis of global practices
- Challenges and opportunities in the global context
Year 4:
- Advanced Social Economy Theories Exam
- Contemporary theories and models in social economy
- Innovations and emerging trends
- Critical analysis of current practices
- Social Innovation Lab Practical Assessment
- Hands-on project in social innovation
- Team collaboration, ideation, and implementation
- Presentation and defense of the project
- Economic Policies for Social Good Exam
- Role of policies in shaping the social economy
- Analysis of current policies and their impact
- Case studies of policy successes and failures
- Capstone Project Presentation
- Comprehensive research or field project in social economy
- Application of theories and practices learned throughout the program
- Feedback and evaluation by a panel of faculty members
This hypothetical list provides a comprehensive view of the exams, reflecting the course structure. Specific topics, sequence, and number of exams can be adjusted based on institutional preferences and curriculum design.
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with a background in social sciences or economics. Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an interview may also be required.