SS5015 - Social Problems and Social Policy (2017/18)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||||||
Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||||||
Module title | Social Problems and Social Policy | ||||||||||||||||
Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module deals with the mainstream perspectives and concepts which underpin the shaping of modern social policy, using the social problems perspective developed in level 4. It also examines critical and radical perspectives. The module addresses concrete policy making and the implementation processes using contemporary examples from social problems in the UK and Europe.
Module aims
The aims of the module are:
- To develop students’ understanding of how social problems and social policy relate
- To examine the relationship between the process of policy making and policy implementation, alongside its impact using some key social problem examples.
- To elucidate key concepts in social policy: needs, citizenship; community; liberty; equality; social justice; social exclusion.
- To delineate shifting debates about social problems and relate these to the delivery of benefits and services.
Syllabus
Key concepts: relating social problems and social policy
Economic and political context of welfare
Power structures in policy making: levels of governance; devolution; social movements
Implementation and delivery: the roles of market, family, not-for-profit and public sector
Social Problems and policy solutions in the UK & Europe
Learning and teaching
Teaching will comprise weekly classroom style workshops with interactive exercises and discussions
Teaching will be informed by research and scholarly activity of the tutors
Learning will be supported by the weblearn site for the modules which will include all the teaching materials and a wide range of learning resources
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Elucidate key social problems that shape social policy discourses and their implementation
- Describe and dissect the relationship between social policy and government in meeting basic needs and addressing social problems
- Elaborate on how the concepts of citizenship, social justice, family and individual responsibility, and social exclusion are applied in students’ experience of welfare
- Identify and analyse the changing power structures at local, regional, national and supranational levels of governance in the delivery of public obligations and recognition of social needs
Assessment strategy
2. Presentation (using photovoice)
3. Final Policy Analysis Report
Bibliography
Key text: S. Isaacs (ed) European Social Problems, Routledge 2017
McBride, S. & Evans, B., The Austerity State, UOT Press
Fitzpatrick, T. (2011) Welfare Theory: An Introduction, Palgrave
Hills, J. (2009) Towards a More Equal Society, Policy Press
Hudson, J. and Lowe, S. (2009) Understanding the Policy Process, Policy Press
Lister, R. (2010) Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy, Policy Press