Social work and social care

Contemporary Social Policy: Theory and Practice

Module code: X3342
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This elective explores and questions the ways in which social policy shapes and is shaped by society, taking a critical approach to investigate contemporary issues in areas such as mental health, disability, parenting, family intervention, education, employment, poverty, youth justice, ageing society, consumerism and choice. While the main focus will be on UK social policy, comparisons from contrasting international social policy models will help to provide rich discussion and debate. The elective looks at the struggles over equality and social inclusion which characterise contemporary social policy positions, using a research-led approach to consider the ways that policies evolve and affect the social well-being of a nation. Throughout 12 weeks it will explore concepts of `social justice,` need, `fairness and `well-being' in relation to UK social policy and policy-driven practices, taking note of the voices of recipients of social policy practices through the involvement of key contacts from those using health and other services in some of the lectures. Learning will take place through a combination of lectures, online activities and student-led seminars. Online learning will include formative assessment through involvement in forums and self assessment quizzes, as well as the opportunity to access discussion groups around case studies and key topics of interest. Students will be expected to prepare work for seminars, and case studies around current issues will be used to promote active problem based engagement with the effects of social policy practice. The module will be formally assessed by an essay incorporating knowledge from research, theory and policy-in-practice.

Module learning outcomes

  • Identify and discuss core debates within contemporary social policy theory and practice
  • Compare models of social policy provision within a global perspective and provide a critique of these approaches in relationship to social policy practice
  • Assess research based sources to illustrate arguments related to an area of contemporary social policy theory or practice
  • Develop an understanding of how power and discrimination around protected characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality or disability affect the implementation of social policy in contemporary societies.