to introduce some of the key concepts, techniques and theories employed in policy analysis
to apply this knowledge to specific social policy issues
to explore some of the key dilemmas and challenges facing the welfare state
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
understand the role of economic, political, social and international factors in shaping social policy
identify the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of social policies
appreciate the institutional and organizational contexts which shape the process by which social policies are made
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
100
Module feedback
Information currently unavailable
Indicative reading
The key text for this course is Hudson, J and Lowe, S (2009)
Understanding the Policy Process: Analysing Welfare Policy &
Practice. It contains chapters relating to most of the weekly sessions
(often more than one) and we recommend that you read the whole of this
book during the course of the module. For the social policy contexts
lectures, you may find it useful to consult Hudson, J, K¼hner, S and
Lowe, S (2008) The Short Guide to Social Policy. It again contains
chapters relating to the weekly sessions and is written with an
international audience in mind and at an introductory level.