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Module SXP-2010:
World Poverty and Inequality

Module Facts

Run by School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Hefin Gwilym

Overall aims and purpose

This module provides students with a knowledge of the debates about the definition, causation, incidence, and effects of poverty and social exclusion in both the UK and a comparative context, and provides an analysis of the policy initiatives currently employed to address the problem.

Course content

This module will examine the explanations for, and the experience of, poverty in the UK and in comparative perspective. It will aim to address the following aspects:

  1. Defining poverty – how is poverty defined? What is social exclusion? How important is inequality?
  2. Explaining poverty - how has the persistence of poverty been explained? This will look particularly at ‘pathological’ explanations involving a ‘culture of poverty’ or the existence of an ‘underclass’
  3. The risk of poverty – who is most at risk of being poor, and what are the possible consequences?
  4. Experiencing poverty - what does it mean to be poor in the UK today?
  5. Dimensions of poverty - what are the various dimensions of poverty, including income, wealth, health, education and housing.
  6. International issues – can we ‘make poverty history’?
  7. Confronting poverty – what policies are most effective against poverty? Is poverty or inequality the real problem?

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the definitions of, explanations for and government actions on poverty and exclusion, showing some evidence of independent reading and research.

good

Demonstrate a substantial knowledge of the definitions of, explanations for and government actions on poverty and exclusion, showing some evidence of independent reading and research.

excellent

Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the definitions of, explanations for and government actions on poverty and exclusion, showing some evidence of independent reading and research.

Learning outcomes

  1. Gain knowledge of some of the ways in which poverty and social exclusion are defined.

  2. Be able to discuss critically differing explanations for the causes of social deprivation and inequalities.

  3. Be aware of the key factors positively correlated with poverty.

  4. Be familiar with the differing ways in which social deprivation may be experienced.

  5. Critically evaluate government policies for alleviating poverty.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Essay 2,500 words (Sem2) 50
Exam 2 hours (Sem2) 50

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
 

This course is taught by a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. The seminars will enable students to examine further issues of definition, causation and consequences of poverty and inequality.

  
Lecture

This course is taught by a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. The seminars will enable students to examine further issues of definition, causation and consequences of poverty and inequality.

 200

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: