Investigating Social Policy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI4069 | Sociology and Social Policy | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI4069
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module will examine the flow of policy making from inception to implementation. The first part of the module will explore various theories of policy making at different levels and will take the form of a seminar with previous set readings. The latter part of the module will be related to recent or current research undertaken by central or local government in the UK, or Europe, though examples may also come from other countries. Attempts will be made, where possible, to include evidence from recent or current research.
Each policy initiative will be chosen to highlight particular concepts and debates that are central to social and public policy analysis. Students will be expected to present materials and participate in seminar discussion on these topics, on the basis of organised prior reading and preparation.
Target Students
Only available for MA Social Science Research (Social Policy and Social Work pathway) students.
Classes
This module is taught through workshops.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 4,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Through reading and examination of case studies to be able to identify the explanatory, empirical and conceptual means of understanding the context and content of policy initiatives, and to undertake a detailed case study of their choice.Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students will have:
Undertaken research into policy initiatives together with other students in the workshop format.
Developed their understanding of the variety of explanatory frameworks used in social policy analysis.
Understood the variety and use of empirical data deployed to justify or analyse policy initiatives and their effects.
Traced the use of different concepts in the elaboration and analysis of policy.
Placed policy initiatives in their political, social and economic contexts.
Made connections between the work undertaken in the module and their own and other research projects undertaken by research students and staff within the School.
Conveners
- Prof Ian Shaw