Module SXP-2050:
Social Issues
Module Facts
Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1
Organiser: Dr Teresa Crew
Overall aims and purpose
Social policy is everywhere - from TV's love affair with 'benefits cheats', to when you see someone selling the Big Issue or the latest gaffe by an MP. In its broadest sense, social policy aims to improve the well-being of society. This module focuses on how and why certain social issues become identified as ‘social problems’. We will unpack classic ‘social problems’ such as homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty and NEETs and identify the way in which social policy responds to these problems. We will then consider if there are other methods that could address these societal concerns.
Course content
The workshop format will use local and contemporary social problems Subjects may include, but are not limited to:
- Basic income - a way to tackle income inequalities
- Gypsy Travellers: the last ‘acceptable’ form of Racism
- Helping young people who are not in education, employment or training
- Tackling hate crimes
Assessment Criteria
excellent
Has a critical understanding of how concepts such as equality, diversity, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination relate to social policy.
Can critically analyse relevant research
Able to propose clear and practical suggestions for how the 'social problems' discussed in the module can be tackled.
good
Understand concepts such as equality, diversity, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination in relation to social policy.
Can communicate effectively about relevant research.
Able to propose suggestions for how the 'social problems' discussed in the module can be tackled.
threshold
Shows a basic awareness of definitions of concepts such as equality, diversity in relation to social policy.
Provides a basic description of the literature in this field.
Does not propose suggestions for how the 'social problems' discussed in the module can be tackled, or provides suggestions that are not relevant to the case study.
Learning outcomes
-
Understand concepts such as inequalities, equality, diversity, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination in relation to social policy
-
Become familiar with social inequalities relating to education, health, housing, employment, education policy as well as crime and criminal justice.
-
Be able to discuss a variety of 'social problems' either through group or individual work - whether it be written or oral communication.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
2,500 word essay | 50.00 | ||
Social policy case study | 50.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Workshop | Two hour workshops x 12 |
24 |
Private study | Students will be expected to read up before or after each workshop so that they can contribute in discussion. |
176 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
Subject specific skills
- Develop a sound appreciation of the variety of theories that comprise the discipline of social policy and how these impact on social policy interventions
- Become cognizant with key conceptual debates within the field of contemporary social policy
- Appreciate the value of and apply theoretical and methodological rigour to analyses of welfare issues;
- Be aware of the ethical, social and political contexts within which social policy practice and research is conducted and delivered
- Develop a knowledge and expertise with respect to a range of evidence-based policy making and practice.
- Develop a sophisticated understanding of the processes of social policy analysis and evaluation.
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/sxp-2050.htmlReading list
https://rl.talis.com/3/bangor/lists/93C54607-6B37-F917-FF0F-9B1401304FD7.html?lang=en&login=1
Courses including this module
Optional in courses:
- L700: BA Geography year 2 (BA/GEOG)
- L702: BA Geography (4 yr with placement) year 2 (BA/GEOG4)
- L701: BA Geography (with International Experience) year 2 (BA/GEOGIE)
- VV41: BA Herit, Archae & Hist year 2 (BA/HAH)
- VV42: BA Heritage, Archaeology & History with International Exp year 2 (BA/HAHIE)
- L202: BA Politics and Economics year 2 (BA/POLEC)