Familiarise students with social policy as a field of study
Introduce students to the key domains of social provision and the role of the state, market and other actors in the production and distribution of welfare
Enable understanding the origins of contemporary social policy challenges while placing them in the broader context of their social, political and economic development
Equip students with the foundational knowledge necessary to engage in current debates in social policy and present arguments with reference to a range of theoretical perspectives and empirical sources
Module learning outcomes
On Completion of the module students will:
Be able to identify the disciplinary focus of social policy and appreciate its interconnections with other social science disciplines
Be familiar with the key domains of social provision, and understand the social, political and economic context in which current policy challenges develop
Understand the operation of the state, the market and other policy actors, and the ways in which social, political and economic interests are articulated in the shaping of social questions and social policy
Be able to critically analyse the distribution of resources and the organisation and delivery of benefits and services, in response to societal demands
Be able to identify, evaluate and employ a range of theoretical and empirical sources relevant to the study of social policy
Be equipped with academic integrity skills and understand ethical values in all activities related to learning, teaching and research
Module content
Topics covered will include: 'What is Social Policy?'; the emergence of the welfare state; the mixed economy of welfare; the scale of welfare provision; examination of specific policy domains e.g. Social security; criminal justice; housing; education; social care; children and families; employment and health care.
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
50
Essay/coursework
50
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
50
Essay/coursework
50
Module feedback
For the essay component, written feedback will be provided to students according to Departmental policy using the standard marking and feedback matrix. Students are given the opportunity to discuss exam performance through arrangements for personal supervision.
Indicative reading
Key Reading
Alcock, P., Haux, T., May, M. and Wright, S. (Eds) (2016) The Student’s Companion to Social Policy. Fifth Edition, Oxford: Blackwell.
Gamble, A. (2016) Can the Welfare State Survive? Cambridge: Polity.
Hudson, J., Kühner, S. and Lowe, S. (2015) The Short Guide to Social Policy. Second Edition. Bristol: The Policy Press.
Spicker, P. (2014) Social Policy: Theory and Practice, Bristol: Policy Press
Supplementary Text Books
Baldock, J., Mitton, L., Manning, N. and Vickerstaff, S. (Eds) (2011) Social Policy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Dean, H. (2012) Social Policy. Cambridge, Polity.
Hill, M. J. and, Irving, Z. (2009) Understanding Social Policy. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
Lavalette, M. and Pratt, A. (2005) Social Policy: Theories, Concepts and Issues. Third Edition. London: Sage.