module specification

SS4053 - Introducing Social Policy (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Introducing Social Policy
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 150
 
42 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
72 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Other 20%   Policy paper draft (600 words)
Coursework 80%   EITHER: Policy briefing paper (1,500 words) OR Video/recording 5 mins and Policy briefing paper (1,000 words)
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Friday Morning
Summer studies North Friday Afternoon

Module summary

This module aims to give the student a solid understanding of what social policy is, and of what its links to sociology are. This module highlights key social policy concerns, such as housing, poverty, education, health care and disability, and it also introduces the student to the four pillars of welfare provision. This module also scrutinises different ideological approaches to (the) welfare (state). In order to do this, a historical overview of social policy is given, starting from WWII. This module also highlights some of the challenges facing and shaping social policy today. Finally, it equips the student with practical knowledge of where they can find reputable sources when investigating social policy.

Prior learning requirements

None. 

Available for Study Abroad? YES

Syllabus

This module will focus on the following key subjects:

  • Social policy – what is it and who does it concern?
  • A historical overview of key social policy issues
  • Challenges to the welfare system/state
  • What data can be used in social policy research?
  • The role of ideology in social policy

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Delivery of this module is through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies and workshops allowing students to be actively involved in the learning process and develop their own learning style. The lecture programme provides the underpinning theoretical foundation in the subject area and thinking skills are developed through complementary activities including case studies, workshops, seminars and tutorials. Students are expected to complement formal teaching with self-directed reading and completion of specified assignments. The module will also promote the student’s self-management and a reflective approach to their learning. 

 

This module will be supported with relevant WebLearn pages where all lecture and workshop notes, relevant literature, and other sources will be available. All sessions will be recorded with Panopto and will be available to students.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module students will:

  1. Understand the basics of social policy and its relation to sociology
  2. Understand how key social policy areas have developed since the end of WWII, particularly focusing on the four pillars of welfare provision
  3. Understand various factors that drive social policy change over time
  4. Have skills to conduct research into a chosen social policy issue
  5. Be able to communicate about a social policy issue in policy format

Assessment strategy

First assessment – Policy paper draft (600 words) – (20%)

 

Second Assessment – Policy briefing paper (EITHER 1,500 words OR 5 mins video/podcast and 1,000 words) – (80%)

Bibliography