FVPAA073 Introduction to Social Protection Law

Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Summer 2025
Extent and Intensity
0/0/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Ondřej Pavelek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
JUDr. Michal Vítek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
JUDr. Michal Vítek, Ph.D.
Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course Introduction to Social Protection Law is to introduce students to the fundamental legal framework of social protection, including social security systems, labor law, and other social policy instruments. Students will gain an overview of key legal norms and mechanisms that ensure the protection of individuals in various life situations, such as illness, disability, old age, unemployment, and family care. The course focuses on comparing national approaches to social protection in an international context and addressing current challenges in social policy and law.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students will be able to explain the fundamental principles and legal sources of social protection law at national, EU, and international levels, identify and compare different social security systems, including pension schemes, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and disability protection, and apply relevant legal provisions to specific cases related to social protection, labor rights, and social security entitlements. They will also be able to evaluate the impact of social protection policies on different societal groups, analyze different national models of social protection and their responses to contemporary challenges, and develop legal arguments and solutions to practical cases in the field of social protection law.
Syllabus
  • Introduction to Social Protection Law – Definition, purpose, and key concepts; historical development of social protection systems. Legal Sources of Social Protection – National legislation, EU regulations and directives, international conventions (ILO, UN, Council of Europe). Social Security Systems – Overview of pension schemes, healthcare systems, unemployment benefits, and disability protection. Labor Law and Social Protection – Workers’ rights, employment contracts, minimum wage, working conditions, and occupational health and safety. Family and Social Assistance Law – Maternity and parental leave, child benefits, housing support, and welfare programs. Anti-Discrimination and Equal Treatment – Legal framework for preventing discrimination in social protection and employment. Challenges of Social Protection in the Digital Age – Platform work, remote employment, and the impact of AI and automation on social rights. International and Comparative Perspectives – Differences in social protection systems across countries and best practices. Financing Social Protection – Tax-based vs. contribution-based systems, sustainability, and reform challenges. Current Issues and Future Trends – Aging population, climate change impact, migration, and new approaches to social security.
Literature
    required literature
  • EU law: text, cases, and materials. Edited by Paul Craig; Grainne, De Burca, 4th ed. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-19-927389-8. info
  • HENDRYCH, D. a kol. Administrative law. General part. Praha: C.H. Beck, 2003. info
    recommended literature
  • PALÚŠ, Igor and Matúš VYROSTKO. CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS AND CRIMINAL LAW PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF NATIONAL MINORITIES AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC. CENTRAL EUROPEAN PAPERS (C.E.P.). Opava: Slezská univerzita Opava, Fakulta veřejných politik, 2023, vol. 11, No 1, p. 47-61. ISSN 2336-3312. URL info
Teaching methods
The course employs a combination of theoretical lectures to provide students with a foundational understanding of social protection law, including key legal principles, sources, and frameworks. Case studies and practical examples are used to analyze real-world cases and legal decisions, helping students apply legal provisions to specific situations. Interactive seminars and discussions encourage critical thinking and debate on contemporary issues in social protection law, fostering analytical and argumentation skills. Problem-based learning (PBL) engages students in solving practical legal problems related to social protection and policy implications. Additionally, comparative analysis examines different national and international approaches to social protection, enhancing students’ comparative legal reasoning.
Assessment methods
The primary assessment method for this course will be the seminar paper, which will evaluate students' ability to conduct independent legal research, analyze relevant issues in social protection law, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is also listed under the following terms Winter 2024.
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