Modules for course L302 | MSOCSCI/S
MSocSci Sociology

Compulsory Modules

Semester 1

• SXU-1003: Understanding Society (20)
  This module introduces students to Sociology. The module runs over two semesters giving students a comprehensive sociological foundation to some of the key sociological issues and debates. The module introduces following aspects of social sciences: Semester 1 The nature of social sciences and relations between key disciplines and methods (2 weeks). Interaction and communication (2 weeks) Life course and the family (2 weeks) Gender and socialisation (2 weeks) Culture and media (2 weeks) Semester 2 Social stratification, Education and work (2 weeks) Organisations and institutions (2 weeks) The environment, urbanisation (2 weeks) Political Sociology and social movements (2 weeks) Globalisation (2 weeks)
  or
  SCS-1004: Cymdeithaseg a'r Byd Cyfoes (20)
  Ceir cyflwyniad i'r prif theorïau cymdeithasegol, gan ganolbwyntio ar bersbectifau ffwythiannaeth a theori gwrthdaro. Edrychir ar waith Emile Durkheim a Karl Marx a'u gwaith arloesol mewn ffurfio theorïau cymdeithasegol cynnar. Yna edrychir ar sefydliadau cymdeithasol yn y gymdeithas gyfoes, gan gymhwyso'r theorïau a'r persbectifau at ddadansoddi sefydliadau fel y teulu, addysg, gwaith a dosbarth cymdeithasol.
• HPS-1006: Ess. Skills for Ac. Success (20) or
  HAC-1006: Ess. Skills for Ac. Success (20)

Semester 2

• HPS-1001: From Cradle to Grave (20) or
  HAC-1001: Y Wladwriaeth Les (20)
• HPS-1002: Power, Freedom & the State (20)

Optional Modules

40 credits from:

• HXH-1002: Birth of Modern Europe (20) (Semester 2)
  The Renaissance; state formation; multiple monarchies (Valois France, the Habsburg Dominions, centre and peripheries in Britain and Ireland); the Reformation in Britain and on the Continent.
  or
  HXC-1003: Genedigaeth yr Ewrop Fodern (20) (Semester 2)
• HPS-1004: Death of God (20) (Semester 2)
• HPS-1005: Existentialism (20) (Semester 1)
• SXY-1005: Introduction to Criminology (20) (Semester 2)
  This module is intended to provide Level One students with a thorough familiarity with the major ways of thinking about crime, with reference to some of the main theoretical perspectives within criminology. This module provides an introduction to criminological thought, ranging from classical to strain theories of crime. Theoretical perspectives have been developed in an attempt to explain why people commit crime, and the history of thought on this question will be examined. The module considers the shifting definitions of crime over time and space, and explores the ways in which society responds to crime and criminals. Empirical concerns are likely to include the role of the media in crime construction, the use and abuse of drugs, the experiences of victims of crime and attitudes towards white-collar and organised crime.
  or
  SCY-1004: Cyflwyniad i Droseddeg (20) (Semester 2)
  Mae'r fodiwl yn eich cyflwyno at faes trosedd a chyfiawnder troseddol. Trafodir theorïau a themau allweddol a ddefnyddir i egluro ymddygiad droseddol sy'n cynnwys esboniadau clasurol i'r rhai mwyaf cyfoes; y mesurau a ddatblygwyd i atal trosedd, ynghyd â gorolwg o'r system gyfiawnder troseddol sy'n cynnwys prif asiantaethau cyfiawnder troseddol, datblygiad hanesyddol, strwythur ac atebolrwydd y system.
• HXC-1006: Cymru yn y Byd Modern (20) (Semester 1)
  Wythnos 1: Darlith: Deall Cymru fodern ac amcanion y modiwl Dim seminar Wythnos 2: Darlith: Meithrin Cymru fodern (i): Diwydiant ac economi Seminar: Siartiaeth a Beca Wythnos 3: Darlith: Meithrin Cymru fodern (ii): Trosedd, cosb a moesoldeb Seminar: Y Gymru fywgraffiadol: David Lloyd George fel astudiaeth achos Wythnos 4: Darlith: Themâu (i): Mewnfudo ac allfudo Seminar: Mewnfudo Wythnos 5: Darlith: Themâu (ii): Iaith, addysg a chrefydd yn y 19eg ganrif Seminar: Cenedlaetholdeb, Tynged yr Iaith Wythnos 6: Darlith: Themâu (iii): Effaith y ddau ryfel byd Seminar: Y Gymru Lafurol Gweithdy: Eidalwyr yng Nghymru Wythnos 7: WYTHNOS DDARLLEN Wythnos 8: Darlith: Themâu (iv): Merched a llunio Cymru fodern Seminar: Cerddoriaeth boblogaidd Wythnos 9: Darlith: Themâu (v): Diwylliant poblogaidd a newid cymdeithasol Seminar: Merched mewn llenyddiaeth Gymreig Wythnos 10: Darlith: Themâu (vi): Chwaraeon a hunaniaeth Seminar: Hunaniaeth Wythnos 11: Darlith: Materion (i): Y frwydr am hunan-reolaeth Seminar: Y Cwestiwn Cenedlaethol Wythnos 12: Darlith: Materion (ii): Creu Cymru newydd? Seminar: Sesiwn adolygu
  or
  HXW-1010: Wales since 1789 (20) (Semester 1)
• HPS-1007: Islam:Hist, Soc and Beliefs (20) (Semester 1)
• SXY-1007: Intro to Criminal Justice (20) (Semester 1)
  Part One of this module is intended to provide Level One students with a sound understanding of the ways in which in England and Wales, crime comes to the attention of the authorities, how crime is measured and investigated, how accused persons are brought to trial, and those who are convicted are sentenced and punished. This module takes an historical view of criminal law, the police, the criminal courts and the prision system, examining the significant social, economic, and philosophical changes that have helped to shape the modern criminal justice and penal systems. It examines the functions of the criminal justice agencies, explores some of the predominant ideas and theories about how the system operates and raises critical questions about the ways in which criminal justice is done and punishment is delivered. In Part Two the aim is to provide students with a thorough familiarity of major ways of thinking about crime, with reference to some of the main theoretical perspectives within criminology. This module provides an introduction to a range of criminological thought. Theoretical perspectives have been developed in an attempt to explain why people commit crime, and the history of thought on this question will be examined. The module considers the shifting definitions of crime and to offenders. Empirical concerns are likely to include to role of the media in crime construction, the use and abuse of drugs, the experiences of victims of crime and attitudes towards white-collar and organised crime.
  or
  SCY-1002: Cyflwyniad i Gyf Troseddol (20) (Semester 1)
  Cyflwyniad i'r modd yr ymchwilir i drosedd yn Lloegr a Chymru, triniaeth y sawl sydd wedi eu cyhuddo ac ar brawf, yr euogfarnedig a systemau cosb. Edrychir yn hanesyddol ar wreiddiau cyfraith troseddol, llysoedd a'r carchar ynghyd â sut mae newid economaidd, athronyddol a chymdeithasol wedi siapio'r system gyfiawnder a chosb. Trafodir swyddogaethau'r asiantaethau cyfiawnder troseddol, prif syniadau a theoriau ar weithredu'r systemau, a chwestiynir yn feirnadol y modd y trosglwyddir cyfiawnder a chosb.
• HXH-1012: Modern Politics in Action (20) (Semester 2) or
  HXC-1012: GweithreduGwleidyddiaethFodern (20) (Semester 2)
• VPR-1106: Intro: Judaism & Christianity (20) (Semester 1)
  The module outlines of some of the basic tenets of the Jewish faith as reflected in the Old Testament and the Christian faith as reflected in the New Testament. Among issues considered will be the contribution to the Jewish faith by the rabbis and the controversies faced by Judaism over the centuries, culminating in a discussion of issues relating to the holocaust. Among Jewish philosophers discussed will be Maimonides and Martin Buber. The modules will then turn to the Christian faith and will examine some of the theological issues arising from the New Testament, with a particular focus on Paul’s theology and the Early Church Fathers, such as Origen and Eusebius. There will also be a discussion of a representative sample of major Christian thinkers over the centuries.
• Above is a list of suggested "optional" modules typically taken by students in the School of Social Sciences. However, you have the option of taking other "optional" year 1 modules from elsewhere in the University if you wish, subject to the approval of the home department and as long as the module from the other School does not clash with modules on your personal timetable. Please seek advice from your Personal Tutor or Year Co-ordinator.

Compulsory Modules

Semester 1

• SXU-2001: Social & Political Research (20)
  This module is an introduction to social research. Primarily it is a practical course in the practices of research in social science. Covering the main elements of research design, question formulation, data collection and analysis it informs students of good practice in the area of survey design, cases studies and evaluation methods.
  or
  SCU-2001: Dulliau Ymchwil (20)
  Edrychir ar seiliau athronyddol ymchwil gymdeithasol, a'r gwahanol ddulliau sy'n deillio ohonynt. Trwy ddefnyddio'r syniad o'r 'Broses Ymchwil Ddelfrydol', gwelir sut mae angen datblygu bob cam o ymchwil maes mewn modd disgybledig a gofalus, er mwyn sicrhau dilysrwydd a dibynadwyedd. Ystytir sut i weithrediadu cysyniadau, adolygu'r lenyddiaeth berthnasol, ffurfio'r broblem i'w hastudio, diffinio'r newidynnau, creu damcaniaeth, dethol dulliau addas, samplo, a chreu offeryn ymchwil (holiadur/atodlen gyfweld).
• SXU-2002: Cont. Social and Political Deb (20)
  There will be no set curriculum - rather this will emerge each time the module is taught depending on staff and student interests. The approach adopted will be to devote the first workshop to identifying themes and issues to be addressed, and to draw up the curriculum for that academic session in collaboration between staff and students. The workshop style of teaching and learning will allow emerging issues and contemporary debates to be addressed. Possible topics to be covered: Should drugs be legalised? Social control and the media Thinking critically about criminology Should there be a sociology of the environment? Exploring disaster capitalism Girls will be girls and boys will be boys – debunking the myth of gender. Exploring the relationship between inequality and capitalism Radicalisation, immigration, identity and racism. The Arab Spring Riots and civil liberties Thinking beyond the norm – the rationalization of ‘them’ and ‘us’
• SXS-2035: Classical Social Theory (20)
  The module introduces the classic contributions of Marx, Tocqueville, Tonnies, Weber, Durkheim and Simmel and the development of their thinking concerning modernity, capitalism, rationalisation and bureaucracy, and the question of moral and social order. The module then considers how the classic tradition has been transformed and new paths have been pursued in the contexts of Parsons' 'system theory', symbolic interactionism, critical theory and feminist social theory.

Semester 2

• SXS-2011: Identity & Diversity (20)
  The structure of the module covers following topics: 1. The nature of social diversity and identies. 2. The scope of social inequalities in the global, national and local contexts; 3. the class and economic inequalities; 4. Gender inequalities and sexualities; 5. Race and ethnicities; 6. Nationality; 7. Consumer culture and subcultures 8. New types of inequalities in global age.

Optional Modules

40 credits from:

• HPS-2001: Work Placement - Semester 1 (20) (Semester 1) or
  HAC-2001: Lleoliad Gwaith - Semester 1 (20) (Semester 1)
• HAC-2002: Addysg yn y Gymru Gyfoes (20) (Semester 1)
• SXY-2002: Crime & Justice in Mod Britain (20) (Semester 2)
  This module aims to build on the introduction to the criminal justice system in England and Wales provided in Year 1 through SXY1007. It will reinforce and advance students' understanding of various measures of crime, and how the main criminal justice agencies operate in particular circumstances and under the demands of increasing international concerns about certain types of crime. Thus, the role, responsibilities and levels of accountability of the main criminal justice agencies will be reviewed in the context of contemporary concerns about specific types of crimes and criminals, such as youth crime, terrorism and state crime, white collar, cyber and organised crime. The module will focus on advancing the discussion of the most dominant debates in criminal justice and penology. In doing so the module aims to advance students’ understanding of criminal justice statistics as well as the value of comparative analysis of criminal justice practices and procedures. Indicative Course content: - Understanding crime and criminal justice by numbers – breaking the back of crime statistics - Controlling youth crime - Controlling ‘clean’ crime – cyber-crime, business crime and white collar crime - Controlling ‘terror’ – state crime, organised crime and terrorism Underpinning these different topics will be an engagement with concepts of social harm and how criminal justice agencies are adapting to control the different types of crimes and criminals, nationally as well as internationally.
  or
  SCY-2003: Trosedd a Chyfiawnder (20) (Semester 2)
• SXY-2004: Crime & the Media (20) (Semester 2)
  Media stories on crime and law are numerous. They form an object of inexhaustible interest to audiences. Many people learn about crime and law from the media, especially from newspapers, books and films. Media portrayals often contributed decisively to changes in public opinion and politics. Also, deviant behaviour can be influenced by media. Media construct deviance (e.g. by identifying `folk devils`), but media also offer cultural templates for people involved in deviant activities. The class deals with the cultural and political significance of media portrayals of crime and law. Students learn about economic, political, legal and other backgrounds. Major narratives employed by the media will be identified. The standard patterns of telling and other technical means of the media are analysed. The audience's reaction to media portrayals and its use of media also form a topic for the class.
• HPS-2005: Work Placement - Semester 2 (20) (Semester 2) or
  HAC-2005: Lleoliad Gwaith - Semester 2 (20) (Semester 2)
• HPS-2008: Sociology of Religion (20) (Semester 2)
• HAC-2009: Cymdeithas, Iaith a Phrotest (20) (Semester 2)
• SXP-2010: World Poverty and Inequality (20) (Semester 2)
  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?
• HPS-2011: Paradoxes of Self: Nietz./Jung (20) (Semester 1)
• SXP-2050: Issues in Equality (20) (Semester 1)
  Workshop topics include: How to help young people who are not in education, employment or training needs (NEETS); Encouraging more men into in care related professions; How to create inclusive work places for transgender employees and understanding/tackling hate crime.
• HGH-2138: Europe 1945-1992 (20) (Semester 1)
• VPR-2301: 20th Century Phil of Religion (20) (Semester 2)
  The module begins by clarifying the state of the analytic philosophy of religion at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting upon its inheritance of 19th century ‘modernity’. This is contrasted with some concurrent developments in the continental tradition (German Romanticism, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche). This is the context from which, and into which, Wittgenstein speaks. We will cover the early, middle, and late eras of Wittgenstein’s thought, and show the revolutionary impact that his thought had for the philosophy of religion. We track the various directions in which Wittgenstein’s influence was felt; for example, in A. J. Ayer’s verificationism, or those overtly ‘Wittgensteinian’ philosophers of religion such as D. Z. Phillips. The ‘meta-philosophy of religion’ is introduced throughout, as we tackle the question of how best to philosophise about religion.

Compulsory Modules

Semester 1

• SXS-3003: Theorizing Society & Politics (20)
  This module explores the origins, nature and significance of sociological theories and concepts developed in the 20th and 21st century. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches as critical theory (Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse et al) structuralism and neo-structuralism (Levi-Strauss, Foucault, Bourdieu), and feminist standpoint theory. It considers a range of theories which seek to address knowledge, power and subordination in terms of gender divisions and differences of class, race or sexuality. The module seeks to ask questions about the relationship between social theory, social action, sociological research and everyday life. This in turn encourages students to reflect on their own position as participants in social interaction.
• SXS-3030: Globalisation & Social Change (20)
  Topics include: • theories of social change • demographical changes to the modern societies • debating and explaining globalisation • migration • capitalism and globalisation • politics, the state and globalisation • power and inequality in the global economy • globalisation movements • global culture

20 to 40 credits from:

• HPS-3006: Dissertation (40) (Semester 1 + 2) or
  HAC-3006: Traethawd Hir (40) (Semester 1 + 2)
• SXU-3010: Dissertation (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  The dissertation is a substantial piece of work. The completed dissertation submitted at level 6 (year 3) consists of a written piece of work of 10,000 words. Within this module students will build on work begun at level 5, and work towards the completion of the dissertation. This will involve the refinement or expansion of the literature review begun at level 5, and will include discussion of major themes arising from the literature. Research for the dissertation may include a small amount of primary empirical research, for example a qualitative or quantitative study conducted by the student under the direction of their supervisor. Throughout the module, students will be engaged mainly in developing their analysis of the literature and any other data collected, and in writing the dissertation.
  or
  SCU-3010: Traethawd Hir (20) (Semester 1 + 2)
  Mae Traethawd Hir yn ddarn sylweddol o waith, yn cael ei gwblhau ar lefelau 2 a 3. Mae'r traethawd terfynol tua 10,000 o eiriau, ac yn cael ei gyflwyno yn y drydedd flwyddyn. Mae'n cyfrif fel pedair modiwl tuag at eich dyfarniad gradd terfynol. Yn y modiwl yma, byddwch yn parhau a'r gwaith a gychwynwyd gennych ar Lefel 2, a byddwch yn mynd ati i gwblhau'r Traethawd Hir. Bydd hyn yn cynnwys datblygu'r adolygiad llenyddiaeth a gychwynwyd gennych eisoes ar Lefel 2, sy'n trafod prif themau eich testun. Mae'n bosib y byddwch wedi cwblhau rhywfaint o ymchwil gwreiddiol (ond mae hyn yn opsiynol) - er enghraifft, peth gwaith ymchwil meintiol neu ansoddol gwreiddiol y byddwch wedi ei gynnal gyda chymorth a chyfarwyddyd eich goruchwyliwr/aig. Drwy gydol y modiwl, byddwch yn datblygu eich dadansoddiad o'r lenyddiaeth ac unrhyw ddata a gasglwyd, ac yn ysgrifennu eich traethawd.

Optional Modules

40 to 60 credits from:

• HPS-3001: Work Placement - Semester 1 (20) (Semester 1) or
  HAC-3001: Lleoliad Gwaith - Semester 1 (20) (Semester 1)
• HAC-3002: Addysg yn y Gymru Gyfoes (20) (Semester 1)
• HPS-3003: Race democracy * pol ideaology (20) (Semester 2)
• SCS-3010: Hawliau Ieithyddol (20) (Semester 2)
  Ceir ymdriniaeth drylwyr o faes hawliau ieithyddol yn ystod y modiwl hon. Mae'n cynnwys ymdrin â'r ddadl ynghylch hawliau ieithyddol a gosod yr hawliau hyn o fewn fframwaith polisi hanesyddol y maes ac yn ogystal o fewn cyd-destun ehangach hawliau lleiafrifol. Mae'r modiwl yn pwyso a mesur hawliau'r unigolyn a hawliau grwp a'r damcaniaethau allweddol sydd ynghlwm wrthynt. Bydd y modiwl hefyd yn cynnwys trafodaeth ynglyn â sicrhau hawliau ieithyddol mewn perthynas â'r iaith Gymraeg yng Nghymru, ac yn ogystal, yn tynnu ar ddatblygiadau ar lefel Ewropeaidd yn y maes.
• SXY-3015: Crime & Power (20) (Semester 2)
  State crimes: from ghettos to genocide. How does criminology and criminal justice respond when it is the formal State who offends? How do we define crime, justice and victimisation in this context? Transnational and organised crimes: human trafficking and the international trade in sexual services and illegal substances are examples of crimes which transcend national boundaries. Interpersonal levels of crime and power: examples may include ‘honour’-based violence and coercion; homophobic hate crimes; gender violence in intimate relationships; what happens when the victim becomes the offender as in the case of battered women who kill? How do the law, society and criminal justice system respond to these forms of crime?
• SXS-3040: Gender Perspectives (20) (Semester 2)
  Conceptualizing gender Feminisms Men and masculinities Social movements Families, intimacy and sexuality Gender and schooling Gender and work Gender and the media Representations of gender in popular culture Cyberspace and technology Methodologies Gender mainstreaming Gender from a worldwide perspective
• SXP-3210: Issues in Housing (20) (Semester 1)
  This module introduces students to some of the key current issues in housing policy, concentrating on the three key areas of quantity, quality and affordability. It examines the factors affecting the supply of, and demand for, housing, and explores the characteristics of the different tenures people may experience during their housing careers, looking at contemporary issues in each housing tenure. The module will also examine housing standards, and the policies for maintaining housing quality, together issues of housing finance. It will explore the managerial context of social rented housing which has undergone considerable change both governmentally [through devolution] and administratively [through a changing mix of local authorities, housing associations and other social rented housing agencies].

Compulsory Modules

Semester 1

• SXU-4004: Research Strategy and Design (20)

Semester 2

• SXU-4005: Research Process and Meaning (20)
• SXU-4016: Dissertation (60)
  One-on-one supervision tutorials, as determined by the progress of the individual student, to include guidance on identifying and planning an appropriate research topic, investigation and applying relevant theoretical concepts, planning and conducting fieldwork and data collection (where relevant) and presenting the results coherently and in the appropriate format.
  or
  SCU-4016: Traethawd Hir (60)
  Tiwtorialau goruchwylio un-i-un, fel y pennir gan ddatblygiad y myfyriwr unigol, i gynnwys cyfarwyddyd ar nodi a chynllunio testun ymchwil priodol, ymchwilio a defnyddio cysyniadau damcaniaethol perthnasol, cynllunio a gwneud gwaith maes a chasglu data (lle bo'n berthnasol) a chyflwyno'r canlyniadau'n gydlynol ac yn y ffurf briodol.

Optional Modules

40 to 80 credits from:

• HPS-4001: Society Pol & Hist Karl Marx (20) (Semester 2)
• HPS-4002: Antisemitism & the Holocaust (20) (Semester 1)
• SXP-4018: Researching Community (20) (Semester 2)
  1. Conceptualising community 2. Community studies as a method of social research 3. Space and locality studies 4. Social network approaches 5. Virtual communities and globalisation 6. Imagined communities 7. Governmental approaches to community 8. Community action, mobilisation and cities 9. Community cohesion agendas 10. Methodological developments in researching place and space
• SXS-4064: Nationalism and Minorities (20) (Semester 1)
  The course will be divided into two parts. The first part will examine the general theoretical arguments and approaches concerning nationalism, ethnicity, minority rights and multiculturalism. The second part will be devoted to specific types and examples of cultural diversity focusing on minority nationalisms, linguistic minorities, post-immigrant minorities, indigenous peoples, as well as their relations with majorities. Individual weekly lecture topics will be drawn from the following: Part A: Theoretical arguments • Analytical concepts: nation, culture, indigenous people, ethnic group • Minorities and the state, concepts of plural and multicultural societies • Theories of minority rights: Kymlicka et al • Multiculturalism and the politics of recognition • Tensions between human rights and respect for cultural difference • Groupist and essentialist fallacies Part B: Empirical examples • Self-determination and nations without states • Indigenous peoples, land and modernity • The politics of minority languages • Ethnic and nationalist conflict • Majorities as minorities

0 to 40 credits from:

• HPS-4003: Revolting Subjects (20) (Semester 2)
• SXY-4010: Transnational Crime (20) (Semester 2)
  1. Course Outline Study of Transnational Crime and Policing 2. Study of Terrorism 3. Study of State Crime 4. Study of Organised Crime 5. Group Presentations 6. Reading Week 7. Study of ID theft 8. Group Presentations 9. Study of Trafficking in arms, drugs and people 10. Study of Corporate Crime 11. Study of eCrime 12. Student Presentations 1
• SXY-4015: Key Issues in Criminology (20) (Semester 1)
• SXY-4020: Comparative & Intl Crim Just (20) (Semester 2)
  • The promise and problems of Understanding Criminal Justice Comparatively • Review of core aspects of criminal justice with reference to England and Wales • Doing criminal justice differently • Punishment and penal policy across the globe • Victims, victimisation, and criminal justice • Models of criminal justice and their applicability • Forms of international criminal justice – the ICC • Alternative forms of justice – Truths Commissions
• SXP-4037: Health Policies (20) (Semester 1)
  Health Policy Comparative health policy Comparing health care systems Global patterning of health Social determinants of Health Health Inequalities Spatial patterning of health Unemployment and Health Global Ageing Rationing and Health Policy The Professions History of Health Policy in Britain I History of Health Policy in Britain II The Privatisation and Marketisation of Health Care The Changing Divide between Health and Social Care Devolution and Health policy Mental Health Policy Governance and Health Care Language, Culture and Health Policy
• SXP-4040: Key Issues in Social Policy (20) (Semester 2)
  1. Orientation to the programme 2. What about theory? Explores student’s theoretical knowledge. Demonstrates ‘rethinking’ in social policy and developments in theoretical pluralism. Identifies the approach of critical social policy 3 & 4. Social Trends (two sessions) Key demographic changes and their implications for social policy interventions are discussed. Concepts like globalisation and convergence will be introduced. Students will be guided in accessing demographic material in social policy 5. Need or Risk? This session develops an understanding of the concept of risk in social policy drawing on examples from health and social welfare. Students will be encouraged to debate notions of freedom, empowerment and risk. 6. Markets and the delivery of Welfare This session considers issues related to the introduction of market principles to the arena of welfare. Drawing on contemporary examples issues such as regulation, resource allocation, equity etc. will be discussed in the context of the mixed economy of welfare. 7. Universality and Difference This session considers the issues difference and diversity pose for contemporary social policy. The concept of difference will be explored and the issues it raises for universalist welfare provision. 8. Equal Opportunities Equal Opportunities, anti discriminatory practice are now firmly ensconced in social legislation, policy and practice. This session considers rationale for, key approaches to and likely impacts of equal opportunities in social welfare. 9. Rights or Responsibilities? This sessions explores the debates on welfare dependency and mechanisms aimed at reducing Welfare dependency in a national and international context. 10 & 11. The Limits of Social Welfare Law (two sessions) Drawing on examples from core welfare legislation this sessions indicates the constraints of social welfare law in protecting the rights of individuals. Introduces students to the processes involved in studying case material. 12-14. Policy Analysis and Evaluation (three sessions) Guides students through the processes of policy evaluation. Considers the What Works? approach and its critics 15. Social Policy Research This session critically explores the nature, content and constraints on doing research on social policy issues. It considers the key dissemination tools in social policy research and introduces students to the techniques of writing for publication. 16. Comparative Social Policy This workshop will consider the importance of comparative studies, and briefly survey this dynamic and 17. Civil Society This session explores the increased interest in civil society and its functions in relation to social welfare. It critically explores the concept of community in this context. 19. User involvement, participation and empowerment Notions of democratic participation in welfare and the active engagement of citizens in the organisation and delivery of welfare will be considered. 20. Social Policy in Wales - Devolved Governance I Provides an overview of the new political structure in Wales and major social policy developments in Wales. 21. Social Policy in Wales - Devolved Governance II Considers the implications of devolved governments for the notion of UK social policy. 22. Local Governance Looks at Modernising Local government and considers issues of regulation, effectiveness, efficiency at local government level.