Overview

The course introduces the key philosophical concepts in social policy, such as the idea of rights and liberties, social justice as well as the specific issues, such as the relationship between market and the state, welfare polices in global, national and local context. The specific content of the course is tailored to the expectations and interests of the students.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key debates and concepts in social policy and an awareness of the structures through which policies are planned, delivered and monitored. Be familiar with some of the ways in which social, economic and cultural change influence welfare objectives. Demonstrate suitable levels of skill in acquiring and disseminating information relating to the area. -good -Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of key debates and concepts in social policy, an awareness of the structures through which policies are planned, delivered and monitored, and the advantages and disadvantages of different mechanisms for delivery. Be familiar with most of the ways in which social, economic and cultural change influence welfare objectives. Demonstrate high levels of skill in acquiring and disseminating information relating to the area. -excellent -Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of key debates and concepts in social policy, an awareness of the structures through which policies are planned, delivered and monitored, and an ability to evaluate critically the advantages and disadvantages of different mechanisms for delivery. Be the wide variety of ways in which social, economic and cultural change influence welfare objectives. Demonstrate skill of a very high level of competence in acquiring and disseminating information relating to the area.

Learning Outcomes

• Display mature awareness of and ability to critically evaluate key conceptual debates in contemporary social policy.

• Have a comprehensive grasp of theoretical issues in social policy as they pertain to current debates about the direction and content of the field

• Have a good understanding of the processes of social policy analysis and evaluation.

• Have a mature grasp of the differential impacts of social policies on particular groups in society and how these groups engage with social welfare agendas.

• Have advanced knowledge of the contribution of comparative research within and across societies to the evaluation of social policy and practice.