Social and Policy Sciences Unit Catalogue

ECOI0008: The modern world economy 1

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX70 OT30

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: The aim of this Unit is to equip students with an historical, institutional and descriptive understanding of economic issues and institutions in a global context. The Unit is appropriate for specialist students of economics and will support and provide a relevant policy context for first year units in introductory micro and macroeconomics. The Unit is also appropriate for non-specialist students, who may wish to take only one or two course units in economics, and will introduce them to some of the central principles of economics via the policy questions and institutional arrangements which confront modern economies. Learning objectives: By the end of the course unit, students should be able to develop an informed commentary on both academic and more popular arguments on: 1. Patterns of growth and development at national, regional and global levels. 2. The role of multilateral corporations in the global economy. 3. The impacts of globalisation on the workforces of both developed and developing economies. 4. The scope for national economic policies within the globalised economy.
Content:
Growth and development in the world economy since the Second World War; patterns of international trade and investment; the role of multi national corporations; employment and income distribution in the world economy; limitations on national policy effectiveness; international economic institutions and the regulation of international trade, investment and finance. Key text: Peter Dicken, 'Global Shift'.


ECOI0009: The modern world economy 2

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES30 EX70

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
This Unit is a continuation from ECOI0008 The Modern World Economy 1. Its aim is to provide students with an understanding of the economic issues which have affected various regions of the world in the post second world war period. It is designed to be accessible to both specialist and non-specialist students of economics. Learning objectives: By the end of the course unit students should be able to understand: 1. The determinants of economic activity in selected regions of the world economy. 2. The reasons why there are significant differences in this activity among such regions. 3. The policy issues which confront nations within these regions.
Content:
The course unit comprises three regional studies: the European Union, Transitional Economies of East and Central Europe, East Asia. European Union: The development of economic integration in Europe; static and dynamic effects of economic integration; trade creation and diversion and the economics of customs unions; factor mobility and the common market; fiscal and monetary harmonisation; optimum currency areas and the European Monetary System; the role of the European Central Bank and the problem of Europe-wide macroeconomic policy. Transitional Economies: Central planning, operation and failure; the state of transition today; expanding the European Union to embrace Central and Eastern Europe. East Asia: Interpretations of the East Asian "miracle" (pre-1997); causes and consequences of the current crisis; longer term prospects for sustainable development. Key texts: D. Swann 'The Economics of the Common Market'. James Forder, ' Both Sides of the Coin: The Arguments Against the Euro and EMU'. F. McDonald, 'European Economic Integration'. D. Dyker (ed), 'The European Economy'. D. Gros and A., 'Steinherr Winds of Change'. Grahame Thompson (ed), 'Economic Dynamism in the Asia-Pacific World Bank The East Asian Miracle'.


ECOI0012: Economic thought & policy 1

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX80 ES20

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
Aims of the Unit:
* To familiarise students with a range of primary source texts written by major economists from the late eighteenth to late nineteenth century.
* To stimulate an interest and knowledge base in the historical development of economics in Britain.
* To convey the relevance of the economics of earlier writers to an understanding of present day economic thought and debate. Learning Objectives: Students will have developed an understanding of the economic models and contributions to policy of a number of major economists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and the context within which these models were relevant. Students will have acquired "first hand" knowledge through reading primary sources.
Content:
The historical development of economic thought and policy from the beginning of the industrial revolution in the eighteenth century to the emergence of neoclassical economics. The main economists considered are Smith, Malthus, Ricardo, J.S. Mill and Jevons. Key texts: Primary sources Ekelund and Hebert,'A History of Economic Theory and Method'. R. Heilbroner,'The Worldly Philosophers'.


ECOI0016: Economics of social policy

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX80 ES20

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to build on students` knowledge of microeconomic principles and apply and extend it within the context of social policy. Students will acquire an understanding of what economics has to say about some of the major areas of social policy. Efficiency and equity issues within this important area will be stressed. Learning objectives include the possession of a sound grasp of how economics can illuminate areas of social policy, and the demonstration of analytical ability by applying economic principles to social policy problems.
Content:
The course unit introduces some of the main issues that economists emphasise when they discuss social policy. The lectures are divided into two groups. In the first we look at some of the basic ideas which economists have used to analyse social policies. We discuss politico-social theories and the role of the state; the concepts of equity and efficiency; the economic justifications for intervention; the economics of insurance, and the measurement of economic welfare and poverty. In the second group we look at some of the main economic issues in six different areas of social policy: financing the welfare state; education; health; housing; poverty, and pensions. Key texts: N. Barr,'The Economics of the Welfare State'. Le Grand, Propper and Robinson,'The Economics of Social Problems'.


ECOI0023: Social change and development

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre ECOI0077

Aims & learning objectives:
Aim: To introduce students to some of the key concepts and methods used in the social analysis of change and international development, grounding theoretical exploration in practical approaches to particular issues. Learning objectives: Students should learn how the key concerns of sociology (social structure and social relations) and social anthropology (culture) can be used to extend understanding of the process involved in social change and international development. By the end of this course unit students should be equipped critically to discuss the concepts and practice of social change drawing on the analytical traditions of sociology and social anthropology and the experience of a range of contexts in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This course unit builds on the foundations laid in ECOI0077 Introduction to International Development. It focuses on development as something that happens: social change. This complements ECOI0043 Governance and the Policy Process in Developing Countries, which considers development as something which is done: policy and programme intervention.
Content:
Social change and development as essentially contested: both as concepts and as forms of practice. A way of ordering the world by contrasts: in time - tradition/modernity; and space - first/third world; and in time as space - modern=western. Models of social change and the implication of sociology and anthropology in these. Interrogating notions of identity, tradition and modernity: in colonialism; in notions of city and countryside; poverty and progress; health and reasoning; cultures of production and exchange. The dynamics of social change: in divisions of labour and within households. Issues around agency, consciousness and social/political action. The implications of globalization and the post-colonial order. Key text: Roger Keesing,'Cultural Anthropology: A Contemporary Perspective'. Nancy Scheper-Hughes, 'Death Without Weeping: The Violence of Everday Life in Urban Brazil'.


ECOI0040: International relations 1: A history of international relations theory

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide students with an understanding of the main concepts, theories and perspectives used to study international relations, and to introduce them to the historical development of those aspects of international relations theory that are relevant today. By examining how different types of historical international systems have existed in the past, what caused wars to occur and what helped to maintain peace, students will have a better idea of the causes of conflict and cooperation today. Learning objectives: By the end of this course unit students should be able to do the following:
* identify the main perspectives of international relations
* explain the key Western thinkers and their ideas which contributed to the main perspectives on international relations
* explain how the key thinkers, ideas and concepts are related to the development of different historic international systems. Although the unit can be studied as a self-contained module, it forms part of a specialist stream in international relations with ECOI0041.
Content:
An historical survey of the main theories of international relations and the main historical state-systems in which they arose: the Greek-state system, the middle ages, the Renaissance and the emergence of the modern state system. The course unit examines a series of important, enduring questions in international relations theory about international systems: (1) what were the origins of different international systems; (2) what factors contributed to order and stability; and (3) what factors promoted not only disorder and instability, but also system-wide change, the change to to an entirely different type of international system. Key texts: Michael Doyle,'Ways of War and Peace: Realism, Liberalism, and Socialism'. Torbjorn Knutsen,'A History of International Relations Theory'. Joseph Nye,'Understanding International Conflicts: An Introduction to Theory And History'.


ECOI0041: International relations 2: contemporary international relations

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES40 OR10

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this Unit are to provide students with an understanding of how contemporary thinkers have contributed to the main perspectives of international relations; to consider the impact of globalisation on international relations; to show how international conflict has changed in the twentieth century, particularly since the end of the Cold War; to provide students with an understanding of how diplomacy has changed in the twentieth century. Learning objectives: By the end of the course unit students should be able to:
* critically evaluate the main perspectives of international relations
* explain the impact of the end of the Cold War on global security
* explain what international relations scholars mean by globalisation, and critically evaluate what impact it has had on international relations
* explain how the changing nature of international conflict has posed new challenges for humanitarian organisations in developing countries Although the unit can be studied as a self-contained module, it forms part of a specialist stream in international relations with ECOI0040.
Content:
Topics include how International Relations has changed since the end of the Cold War, the State, and non-state actors, the balance of power, problems of diplomacy, international organisation, war and international conflict, nationalism, religion and international stability and international political economy. A set of themes emerge from these topics that are ethical in nature: the relationship between order and justice, state sovereignty and humanitarian intervention, the nature and meaning of international obligation in a society of sovereign states, the idea of universal human rights and cultural relativism, and ways of maintaining international order: the balance of power, international regimes, and new approaches to global governance. Key texts: J. Goldstein,'International Relations'. C. Kegley and E. Wittkopf,'World Politics: Trend and Transformation'. Gordon Graham,'Ethics and International Relations'.


ECOI0042: Politics of developing countries: ethnicity, religion and nationalism

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES40 OR10

Requisites: Pre ECOI0078

Aims & learning objectives:
Two of the most important developments at the end of the Twentieth Century are the global spread of democracy and the resurgence of religion, ethnicity and nationalism in politics. Therefore the aim of the Unit is to provide students with an understanding of the ongoing saliency of ethnicity, religion and nationalism to the politics of selected post-communist and developing countries. The learning objectives are that by the end of the course unit students should be able to:
* critically evaluate the role of ethnicity, religion and nationalism in the main perspectives of development
* understand the role of religion and revolution in South Africa, Poland and Latin America
* understand the role of Islam in different types of Muslim countries
* understand how religion challenges the secular state in India, Turkey, Algeria and Egypt. Although the unit can be studied as a self-contained module, it forms part of a specialist stream in the Policy Process and Politics of Development with ECOI0043 Governance and the Policy Process in Developing Countries and ECOI0080 Policy and Politics.
Content:
Introduction to the politics of developing countries; the concepts of ethnicity, religion and nationalism; the transition to democracy; the consolidation of democracy. Case studies of: Poland, Yugoslavia, South Africa, Turkey, India, Algeria, Egypt and Latin America. Key texts: J. Esposito and J. Voll,'Islam and Democracy'. Jeff Haynes,'Religion and Politics in the Third World'. Jeff Haynes,'Religion in Global Politics'. David Westerlund (ed),'Questioning the Secular State'.


ECOI0043: Governance and the policy process in developing countries

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES40 OR10

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide an explanation of the dynamics of governance and the workings of the policy process in developing countries. The learning objectives are that students should develop a critical undetstanding of the policy process in the developing country context, applying and extending their knowledge of the key concepts of power and the institutions through which it is expresed. This unit can be studied as a self-contained module, which complements in particular ECOI0023 Social Change and Development. It also forms part of a specialist stream in the Policy Process and Politics of Development with ECOI0042 The Politics of Developing Countries: Religion, Ethnicity and Nationalism and ECOI0080 Policy and Politic.
Content:
Good governance: the genesis of the concept, its practical implication. State, non-state and civil society actors in development. Policy formulation and implementation in developing countries; policy networks; the roles of external doners; corruption. Institutionalizing good governance, promoting inclusionary practice. Key texts: Grindle and Thomas,'Public Choices and Policy Change: The Political Economy of Reform in Developing Countries'. Turner and Hulme,'Governance, Administration and Development'. R. Rhodes,'Understanding Governance'. Wuyts, Marc. Mackintosh, Maureen and hewitt, Tom (eds),'Development Policy and Public Action. Oxford: Oxford University Press/Open University. R Grillo and R L Stirrat (eds) 1997. Discourses of Development. Anthropological Perspectives. Oxford: Berg.


ECOI0077: Introduction to international development

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the Unit is to introduce students to the major issues in international development. The learning objectives are that students should: 1. Learn to 'think sociologically' about international development issues 2. Have some knowledge of the development of capitalism and the nation-state system and the ways in which these have interacted to produce problems of poverty, international debt and violence 3. Appreciate the different contributions to understanding development made by different social science disciplines 4. Understand the ideological arguments between the major development paradigms.
Content:
From mercantilism to globalisation; the current structure of the world economy and polity; the diversity of poor country trajectories; disciplinary approaches to international development; development paradigms; wealth and poverty; trade, debt and the international financial institutions; violence; gender relations; the environment; development and the development industry. Key texts: Peter Preston,'Development Theory'. Diana Hunt,'Economic Theories of Development'. Ankie Hoogvelt,'Globalisation and the Postcolonial World'. Katy Gardner & David Lewis,'Anthropology, Development and the Post-modern Challenge'. Andrew Boyd,'An Atlas of World Affairs'.


ECOI0078: Developing countries in world politics

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the Unit is to give students an introduction to the main personalities and events in the international arena since 1945 which have contributed to the present position of developing countries in the current global order. Learning objectives: By the end of the course unit students should be able to identify the main personalities and events in world politics and explain their influence on the politics and economics of developing countries. They should be able to explain the role of developing countries in the origins and development of the Cold War, and have an appreciation of the main debates about the Cold War.
Content:
The emergence of the League of Nations and the United Nations system; Bretton-Woods; Developing Countries in the Cold War; India and South Asia: Independence and Partition; Southeast Asia and Peasant Revolutions; African independence and the South African liberation struggle; the Middle-East: Arab nationalism and oil wealth; Latin America: revolution and dictatorship. Key texts: Peter Calvocoressi,'World Politics Since 1945'. Geir Lundestad,'East, West, North, South: Major Developments in International Politics Since 1945'. J. Dunbabin,'The Post-Imperial Age: The Great Powers and the Wider World'.


ECOI0079: Economics of politics

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX80 CW20

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to apply introductory microeconomic theory to analyse political behaviour. Students will investigate the extent to which a rational choice model sheds insight on political behaviour and political institutions. Thus, the intention is to provide students with an integrative link between their understanding of economic theory and political science. The learning objective is that by the end of the course students will be able to apply introductory microeconomic theory to analyse political behaviour. They will be able to use microeconomics to explain and predict why governments prefer one policy option to another. They will be able to assess the costs involved in democratic decision making processes. They will be able to identify and assess alleged 'failings' of the political processes and associated prescriptions.
Content:
The course unit begins with a review of microeconomic welfare theory. This is applied to explain and predict the behaviour of politicians, bureaucrats, voters and pressure groups. The implications of adopting different collective decision making rules are investigated. Case studies are used to illustrate theory. Assessment is offered of the public choice school's assertion that government failure leads to an excessively large public sector. Key texts: K.A. Shepsle and M.S. Bonchek,'Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Institutions'. J. Cullis and P. Jones,'Public Finance and Public Choice'.


ECOI0081: Economic organisation of the European Community

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX80 ES20

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this course unit is to apply introductory microeconomic and macroeconomic principles to a range of European policy areas. The learning objective is that students will have enhanced their understanding of European economic issues begun in The Modern World Economy and to demonstrate the value of theoretical analysis.
Content:
The following topics will be covered: EU trade policy and the economics of customs unions; Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies of the EU; fiscal harmonisation and EU budgetary policy; EU environmental policy; EU industrial and competition policy; European Monetary Union and exchange rate arrangements. Key texts: T. Hitiris,'European Union Economics'. M.J. Artis and N. Lee (eds),'The Economics of the European Union'. A. El-Agraa (ed),'The European Union'.


ESML0030: German written & spoken language 1A

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The unit pursues a dual aim. (1) To refresh and consolidate students knowledge and understanding of grammatical structures; to enable them to apply the acquired skills to the production of coherent and fluent written composition; to introduce them to a variety of German texts dealing with appropriate contemporary issues. (2) To improve students communicative and listening skills (oral/aural) and to expand their vocabulary so that they are able to express themselves clearly in everyday as well as in academic contexts as appropriate; to enable students to formulate their own ideas and to interact effectively in German and to adjust flexibly to various situations by using a suitable register.
Content:
(1) In respect of i. the consolidation of German language structures: this unit focuses on the various classes of words, their declension and their function within the phrase/ sentence; ii. written communication: a variety of linguistic skills are developed by means of translation into and from German and essay writing in German (2) Spoken language classes may consist of free discussions with the entire group, interactive exercises (e.g. role play, small-group discussions, one-to-one exchange of ideas). Austrian and German video material and newspaper articles form the basis for discussion and assessment, whilst improving awareness of contemporary life in the German-speaking world.


ESML0031: German written & spoken language 1B

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre ESML0030

Aims & learning objectives:
The unit builds on ESML0030, pursuing the same dual aim. (1) To refresh and consolidate students knowledge and understanding of grammatical structures; enable them to apply the acquired skills to the production of coherent and fluent written composition; to introduce them to a variety of German texts dealing with appropriate contemporary issues. (2) To improve students communicative and listening skills (oral/aural) and to expand their vocabulary so that they are able to express themselves clearly in everyday as well as in academic contexts as appropriate; to enable students to formulate their own ideas and to interact effectively in German and to adjust flexibly to various situations by using a suitable register.
Content:
(1) In respect of i. the consolidation of German language structures: this unit focuses on complex grammar points and German syntax; ii. written communication: a variety of linguistic skills are developed by means of translation into and from German and essay writing in German. (2) Spoken language classes may consist of free discussions with the entire group, interactive exercises (e.g. role play, small-group discussions, one-to-one exchange of ideas). Austrian and German video material and newspaper articles form the basis for discussion and assessment, whilst improving awareness of contemporary life in the German-speaking world.


ESML0036: German written & spoken language 2A

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre ESML0031

Aims & learning objectives:
To build on knowledge (grammatical accuracy and range of vocabulary) and writing skills acquired in Year 1. Having successfully completed this unit, students should be able, at the appropriate level, to: translate texts (German to English); summarize English texts into German and write short essays expressing a personal opinion on a given topic.
Content:
German to English translation, English to German summarisation, German essay-writing in response to text-based questions.


ESML0037: German written & spoken language 2B

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX54 CW20 OR26

Requisites: Pre ESML0036

Aims & learning objectives:
To build on knowledge (grammatical accuracy and range of vocabulary) and writing skills acquired in Year 2 semester 1. Having successfully completed this unit, students should be able, at the appropriate level, to: translate texts (German to English) with an increased awareness of nuance of meaning; summarize English texts (as wide-ranging in topic and style as time and circumstances permit) into German and write short essays with good grammatical awareness and fluency of style, and to translate a dictated English text into German.
Content:
German to English translation, English to German summarisation, German essay-writing in response to text-based questions; extempore German-to-English translation.


ESML0048: German written & spoken language 4A

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre ESML0037

Aims & learning objectives:
To refine students' ability to translate competently from German into English in a variety of contemporary registers. To develop their summarisation skills so that they are able to produce a précis in sophisticated German of a complex English text on a subject of broad contemporary interest. To enable students to write coherent, well-argued and grammatically correct essays in German in response to issues raised in complex German texts. To enhance students' knowledge of the spoken language acquired during their year abroad so that they are able to converse fluently on contemporary issues and deliver sophisticated oral presentations on topics of their choice.
Content:
Written language: (a) Translation from German into English is the focus of one of the two weekly hours. The main emphasis in this semester will be placed on dealing with texts written in more colloquial registers. (b) The second weekly hour is devoted to the production of German in summarisation and essay-writing exercises. In this semester particular attention will be devoted to developing essay-writing skills. Spoken language: The emphasis is on project work carried out both on a group and an individual basis, with the chosen topics of an appropriately complex and controversial nature.


ESML0049: German written & spoken language 4B

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX38 CW17 OR27 OT18

Requisites: Pre ESML0048

Aims & learning objectives:
To refine students' ability to translate competently from German into English in a variety of contemporary registers. To develop their summarisation skills so that they are able to produce a précis in sophisticated German of a complex English text on a subject of broad contemporary interest. To enable students to write coherent, well-argued and grammatically correct essays in German in response to issues raised in complex German texts. To enhance students' knowledge of the spoken language acquired during their year abroad so that they are able to converse fluently on contemporary issues and deliver sophisticated oral presentations on topics of their choice.
Content:
Written language: (a) Translation from German into English is the focus of one of the two weekly hours. The main emphasis in this semester will be placed on translating texts written in more formal registers. (b) The second weekly hour is devoted to the production of German in summarisation and essay-writing exercises. In this semester particular attention will be paid to developing summarisation skills. Spoken language: As before, project work will be carried out both on a group and an individual basis. Additional emphasis will now be placed on developing students' presentational skills in preparation for their oral examination.


ESML0081: Russian written & spoken language 1A

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate knowledge of basic grammar, broaden vocabulary and improve aural comprehension. To develop fluency in spoken Russian at the level of everyday conversation.
Content:
Prose and essay composition; translation into English; grammar revision; conversation. Students must be qualified in Russian to approximately A-level standard.


ESML0084: Russian written & spoken language 1B

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre ESML0081

Aims & learning objectives:
To further consolidate knowledge of basic grammar, broaden vocabulary and improve aural comprehension. To further develop fluency in spoken Russian at the level of everyday conversation.
Content:
Prose and essay composition; translation into English; grammar revision; conversation.


ESML0089: Russian written & spoken language 2A

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre ESML0084, Pre ESML0085

Students must have taken either ESML0084, or ESML0085. Aims & learning objectives:
To deepen knowledge of Russian grammar, expand lexis and develop translation skills in several registers. To give students practice in expressing themselves in writing. To improve aural comprehension and to begin to develop fluency in spoken Russian at the level of everyday conversation.
Content:
Written Language: systematic review of Russian grammar with exercises and drills drawn from a variety of sources; translations into Russian and English with discussion of grammatical points, lexis etc. Essay writing in Russian with discussion of stylistic points and vocabulary. Spoken Language: small group conversation on a range of themes; role-playing; task-based use of audio-visual material. To assist vocabulary acquisition, work in written and spoken language will be organised around themes of geography & peoples and culture & recreation.


ESML0092: Russian written & spoken language 2B

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX54 CW20 OR26

Requisites: Pre ESML0089

Aims & learning objectives:
To deepen knowledge of Russian grammar, expand lexis and develop translation skills in several registers. To give students practice in expressing themselves in writing. To improve aural comprehension to the point at which the gist of a TV news item can be understood and to develop fluency in spoken Russian at the level of everyday conversation.
Content:
Written Language: systematic review of Russian grammar with exercises and drills drawn from a variety of sources; translations into Russian and English with discussion of grammatical points, lexis etc. Essay writing in Russian with discussion of stylistic points and vocabulary. Spoken Language: small group conversation on a range of themes; role-playing; task-based use of audio-visual material. To assist vocabulary acquisition, work in written and spoken language will be organised around themes of social issues, history and politics.


ESML0095: Russian written & spoken language 4A

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre ESML0092

Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate knowledge of Russian grammar, further expand lexis and further develop translation skills. To enable students to translate modern literary Russian and non-technical academic and journalistic Russian, into English. To enable students to translate selected English passages into Russian, and to express ideas and arguments in writing. To improve fluency in spoken Russian.
Content:
Written Language: translation into and from Russian and discussion of grammatical points, lexis etc. Conversation and audio-visual classes. Spoken Language: discussion of selected topics on a range of themes (ecology, social issues, feminism etc).


ESML0096: Russian written & spoken language 4B

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX56 CW17 OR27

Requisites: Pre ESML0095

Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate knowledge of Russian grammar, further expand lexis and further develop translation skills. To enable students to translate modern literary Russian and non-technical academic and journalistic Russian, into English with minimal use of a dictionary. To enable students to translate selected English passages into idiomatic Russian, and to express complex ideas and arguments in writing. To develop fluency in spoken Russian.
Content:
Written Language: translation into and from Russian and discussion of grammatical points, lexis etc. Conversation and audio-visual classes. Spoken Language: discussion of selected topics on a range of themes (culture, politics in Russia etc).


ESML0101: Russian national option R4: Gorbachev & Perestroika

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites: Pre ESML0094, Pre HASS0005

Students must have taken either ESML0094, or HASS0005. Aims & learning objectives:
To investigate political and social developments in the years 1985-1991 in greater depth than in ESML0094.
Content:
Origins of perestroika; glasnost and democratization; nationalities issues and conflicts; the collapse of communism.


ESML0102: Russian national option R5: Politics in post-communist Russia

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites: Pre ESML0094, Pre HASS0005

Students must have taken either ESML0094, or HASS0005. Aims & learning objectives:
To examine the dilemmas of economic and political reconstruction and of external relations posed by the collapse of the communist political order in Russia, and efforts to resolve these problems since August 1991. To develop skills in political analysis and seminar techniques.
Content:
Political institutions and actors in Russia in August 1991; dimensions of the crisis surrounding the collapse of Soviet communism; theoretical approaches to transition; first steps of the political leadership; reform and political conflict; dilemmas of foreign policy; political elites; civil society; political culture; 1993 Constitution; elections and party formation; legal order and corruption; local government; federalism and ethnic politics; gender politics; prospects.


ESML0103: Europe 1A: Introduction to European studies

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To begin an exploration of the historical and cultural identity of Europe; to introduce basic political concepts (nationalism, imperialism, communism and fascism) in a European historical context; to introduce cultural studies as a discipline in the context of European culture in the first half of the twentieth century.
Content:
Defining Europe - history, languages and culture; nations and empires in 19th Century Europe; the First World War; communism and fascism in interwar Europe; the Second World War; studying European culture; images of war in 20th Century Europe.


ESML0104: Europe 1B: Europe since 1945

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To compare the experience of Eastern and Western Europe since 1945; to introduce students, in this context, to analysis of the political structure and culture of liberal democracies and to analysis of the structures and problems of modern economies; to examine the interaction of culture and politics in post-war Europe.
Content:
Europe in the Cold War era; politics and culture in post-war Europe; economic and social change in Western Europe; liberal democratic politics in Europe - elections and party systems; political culture; the rise and fall of European communist states and command economies; economic and political problems in the age of globalisation; postmodernism in European culture.


ESML0105: Europe 2A: Politics of the European Union

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to key theories of European integration; to trace the development of the E.C. from the 1950s to the present; to examine issues of contemporary relevance to European integration. Students will develop an awareness and understanding of European integration issues and be able to discuss them on the basis of background knowledge attained during lectures and readings.
Content:
Theories of European integration; the origins of the E.C.; the Rome Treaty and the Single Act; Britain and the E.C; the road to Maastricht; the institutions of the E.C. and E.U.; the democratic deficit; the 1996 Inter Governmental Conference; the E.U. as a world actor; monetary union; citizenship and "the people's Europe"; the E.U., Eastern Europe and enlargement; the future of the E.U.


ESML0107: European option E1: Intellectuals & identity in contemporary Europe

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of nationalism in various twentieth-century European contexts and of the role of intellectuals (both literary authors and social/political commentators) in influencing debates on issues such as national identity. The changes in post-1989 Central and Eastern Europe will provide a focus for the latter part of the unit.
Content:
The work of intellectuals such as Barzini, Konwicki, Grass, Arendt and Foucault.


ESML0108: European option E2: Politically committed European culture: the end of an era?

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an historical understanding of the development of politically committed culture (literature and film) in the post-1945 era in both Eastern and Western Europe. To take account of the factors which led to the growing disillusionment on the part of creative intellectuals regarding the value of their efforts to bring about socialism with a human face: the dominance of Stalinism during the Cold War, the crushing of reform movements in Eastern Europe (especially the Prague Spring in 1968), general scepticism in Western Europe since the 1960's regarding the value of committed culture. To study some examples of the post-engagement culture in Eastern Europe and Russia since the collapse of communism. The close study of works by leading authors of the post-1945 period will provide the focus for the seminars which form the core of the unit.
Content:
Introductory lectures on the issue of commitment and French, German, Italian, Czech and Russian attitudes to it. A selection from the following range of works: A dossier of Camus's writing, De Sanctis: Bitter Rice; Wolf: The Quest for Christa T., Solzhenitsyn: One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Kundera: The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Perec: Things; Sciascia: Candido; Klíma: Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light, Makanin: Baize Table with Decanter.


ESML0294: European option E5: In search of Europe (1) - Europe divided

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To explore the concept of Europe 1945-1989. To discuss the implications for both Western and Eastern Europe of Soviet-American rivalries during the Cold War.
Content:
The Cold War; strengths and weaknesses of the Soviet bloc before 1989; Cold War and détente in Western Europe (1960s-1980s); 1989 and the collapse of Cold War era political systems.


ESML0295: European option E6: In search of Europe (2) - Europe in the 1990s: towards unification?

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To explore the concept of Europe since 1989, examining the nature of European, national and regional identities.
Content:
Immediate consequences of 1989; the resurgence of particularism; forces for integration.


ESML0385: European political thought

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
Students should acquire a solid understanding of the history and development of political theory in Europe.
Content:
The course provides a survey of the major European politcal thinkers from Niccolo Machiavelli to Antonio Gramsci.


ESML0410: Political ideologies

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES50 EX50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a grounding in the study of political ideologies, namely the thought which has been central to modern political debate, and to show the importance of ideas to the study of politics. By the end of the unit students should be able to demonstrate i) an understanding of the notion of ideology, and of the key political ideologies discussed, and ii) an ability to engage with and analyse the main debates and arguments discussed in the course.
Content:
The lectures will focus on the main ideologies which have helped shape the modern world, together with more methodological debates surrounding the study of ideology. Lectures will include: what is 'ideology'?; liberalism; conservatism; Marxism; social democracy; nationalism; feminism; ecologism; and the 'end of ideology' debate.


ESML0414: American politics

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of central arguments and debates relating to the American political system, and to equip them to contribute to these debates, citing relevant evidence.
Content:
The course applies the concepts and theories of political science to the United states of America, assessing the role played by formal and informal political entities. Notions of liberal democracy are assessed by reference to debates on the role of political parties, interest groups, elites and political culture on political outcomes in America. A number of case studies consider the political significance from a European perspective of questions of race and poverty, judicial review, and the American foreign policy process.


ESML0415: Media politics

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with a grounding in the theory and practice relating to the political significance of the mass media, with reference to a number of case studies. Students should attain an awareness of the significance of the media in the public sphere and in the democratic process. They should also attain skills in conceptualising the media's role.
Content:
The course examines alternative theories of the political role of the mass media, and applies these to case studies. Topics include the Frankfurt School and mass culture, Marxist and pluralist notions of the media, the 'propaganda model', notions of public broadcasting, cinema and politics, the global role of the media, and the media and war.


ESML0416: Totalitarian politics

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To further student's knowledge of comparative politics and history by examining 20th century European communist and facist movements and regimes, with particular attention being paid to the relevance of the concept of 'totalitarianism' to these. The main focus will be on Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. By the end of the unit, students should be able to demonstrate: i) an understanding of the main theories of the rise, nature and failure of communism and fascist regimes; ii) familiarity with the concept of 'totalitarianism' and debates relating to its use.
Content:
The concept of 'totalitarianism'; the role of ideas and ideology in the genesis of fascist and communist movements and regimes; state and leadership in communist and fascist regimes; coercion and support; the Holocaust; the decay of communism; the possibility of the revival of fascism and communism in Europe.


ESML0417: British politics

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a grounding in the study of the British political system, including wider aspects of Britain's relations with the EU. Students will attain a broad knowledge of British Politics, and the skills of being able to engage with the main arguments and debates, and analyse major problems in the subject area.
Content:
The lectures will focus on a wide range of specific topics central to beginning to study politics (parties, institutions, etc.). Lectures will include: conservatism; social democracy; voting behaviour; the media; electoral systems; parliament; executive; Britain and the European Union.


ESML0428: Film, politics & society

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with a grounding in debates about the social and political significance and "effects" of film and television drama and documentary, in various industrial, national and global contexts. Students should attain the ability to read and interpret film texts and to understand and assess the visual and other codes of film language; they should also gain a confidence in discussing and analysing the significance of film in particular political and historical contexts.
Content:
The course draws on a number of theoretical approaches to film and the mass media, and draws on theoretical work on the political and social significance of film. The course deals with questions of the construction and reception of political meaning in film and television drama, and at issues relating to film and national identity, film policy, political culture, censorship, propaganda, and the notion of documentary. Examples are drawn in particular, but not exclusively from American and European film.


ESML0441: Women & politics in Europe

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES67 CW33

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the relationship between gender and politics in contemporary Europe by examining theory and a number of thematic case studies. By the end of this unit students will have a basic theoretical knowledge of the relationship between women and politics and will have explored certain aspects of the realities of women's involvement in politics across Europe.
Content:
This course will first introduce some of the major debates in contemporary feminist political theory. It will then move into a comparative analysis of the relationship between women and the political processes in Europe by examining feminist movements, women's voting patterns, women's participation in government and political parties, social policy concerning women and women's involvement in the European parliament and commission.


MANG0013: Employee relations 1

Semester 2

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX60 ES40

Requisites:

Students should already have taken MANG0005 or MANG0080 Aims & learning objectives:
The course has three aims: to give a broad overview of the major features of industrial relations in the UK; to explore the practical aspects of managing relations with employees in unionised and non-unionised organisations and to place industrial relations in its wider legal, economic, and political environments. Particular attention is paid employee relations in the workplace.
Content:
Employment Relationship: some concepts; perspectives on employee relations; changes in the management of the employment relationship; introduction to methods of resolving conflict; formal and informal bargaining in the workplace; employee participation and involvement; managers, supervisors and team leaders; employee representatives.


MANG0029: Employee relations 2

Semester 1

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX60 ES40

Requisites: Pre MANG0005

Aims & learning objectives:
The course examines developments in the management of the Employment Relationship in the UK and makes comparisons with changes in other countries. Particular attention is given to changes in the institutions of Employee Relations.
Content:
Key changes in the Management of the Employment Relationship; Employers and Managers; Trade Unions; Industrial Conflict; Role of the State in Employee Relations; Legal intervention.


MANG0040: European integration studies 1

Semester 1

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic: IMML - 50% MANG 50% ESML

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Students should have taken MANG0006 or MANG0070, or equivalent Economics unit. IMML students must take MANG0059 in the next semester if they take this unit. Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a basic grounding in the theory, politics and economics of European integration. Students will complete the course with a sound knowledge of European Union institutions and key economic policies.
Content:
Subjects covered will be: integration theory; EU political institutions, their legitimacy and their accountability; the EU decision-making process; EC finances and funds; the single market and Europe's lost competitiveness; competition policy; the EU, world trade and developing countries; regional policy; economic and monetary union; the enlargement of the EU, the EEA and Central and Eastern Europe. Lectures will be supplemented by case study discussions, tutorial sessions and a revision workshop.


MANG0045: Pay & rewards

Semester 1

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic: IMML - 50% MANG 50% ESML

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX60 CW40

Requisites:

Students should have taken MANG0029, or MANG0031, or MANG0070 or MANG0083. If the unit runs in semester 2, MSc students must have taken MANG0169. Aims & learning objectives:
The course will enable the student to provide informed advice on the major aspects of pay, rewards and performance management, based on a sound understanding of the relevant theories and research evidence.
Content:
The role of reward strategy in an organisation. Economic, sociological and psychological theories which have influenced pay policies and practices. Concepts of reward structure, reward system and reward levels. Different perceptions of fairness which influence employees' satisfaction with their rewards. Government pay policies. Top people's pay. Objectives and limitations of job evaluation. Performance-related pay in principle and in practice. Knowledge-based, skill-based and competence-based rewards. Pay discrimination and equal pay. Employee benefits.


MANG0054: Business strategies & human resource management

Semester 2

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic: IMML - 50% MANG 50% ESML

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX60 CW40

Requisites:

Students should have taken MANG0029, or MANG0031, or MANG0070 or MANG0080, or MANG0169. Aims & learning objectives:
The course will enable to the student to study Human Resource Management at an advanced level especially by critically examining contemporary theory and practice on the link between HRM and business strategies. The student will appreciate the effect of different types of HRM strategies on firm performance and locate these within the context of the role of the state and trade union organisation, membership and strategy. The student will be able to evaluate the strategies and policies of a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors and be equipped to debate these issues with senior HR and Personnel executives. The key topics covered include HRM: Rhetoric and Reality; Strategy, structure and devolution/decentralisation; the pursuit of flexibility in its various forms; the resource view of strategy; the distinction between high commitment management and the matching models of HRM; cost leadership models and the fragmentation of the firm; management style in the context of trade union behaviour and the role of the state in the UK and Europe. Examples will be taken from numerous countries.


MANG0059: European integration studies 2

Semester 2

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic: IMML - 50% MANG 50% ESML

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES100

Requisites: Pre MANG0040

IMML students must take this unit if they have taken MANG0040 in the previous semester. Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an advanced knowledge of the impact of European policies on individuals, managements and work organisations in the European Union. Students will complete the course unit with a detailed knowledge of social, environmental and sectoral impacts of integration and how business interests can influence the EU decision-making process.
Content:
Subjects covered will be: Social and employment policy issues and the firm; EU environment policy and its impact upon business and communities; the harmonisation of company law; sectoral impacts of the single market and business strategies; lobbying the EU; transport policy and trans-European networks; implementation of EC law; the future direction of the EU. Lectures will be supplemented by case study discussions, a decision-making game, and tutorial sessions.


MANG0072: Managing human resources

Semester 1

Credits: 5

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The course aims to give a broad overview of major features of human resource management. It examines issues from the contrasting perspectives of management, employees and public policy.
Content:
Perspectives on managing human resources. Human resource planning, recruitment and selection. Performance, pay and rewards. Control, discipline and dismissal.


PSYC0001: Psychology 1

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to basic concepts and current themes and debates within psychology. Students will understand basic ideas in psychology and have a familiarity with some classic studies and methods. They will understand how psychologists approach problems of mental processing.
Content:
Lectures will be broadly based on the question "Who am I"? They will put forward the idea that in order to understand ourselves and our behaviour we need to remember that we are members of human societies with histories and cultural traditions: that who we are is, at least in part, determined by those around us, our families and our friends and the social groups to which we belong. The topics covered include: society and the individual, conformity and deviance, gender and social identity, the self, language and social life, thinking and reasoning, personality, life-span developments, clinical psychology.


PSYC0002: Mind, brain & behaviour

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding, at a basic level, of brain functioning and the relationship between mind and brain. No prior biological training is required. Students will understand the basic brain functions that relate to psychological processes. They will have a introductory level understanding of consciousness and of what can be learnt from studies of brain damage.
Content:
The brain - a user's guide. How we encounter our world through our senses and how the brain processes and organises input and output. Conscious and non-conscious functioning. Sleep and dreaming. Emotions, stress and anxiety. What can we learn from brain damage and dysfunction - when things go wrong.


PSYC0007: Developmental psychology

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Students must have taken one of the following units: Psychology 1 (PSYC0001), Becoming a social person (PSYC0057), or The intelligent being (PSYC0058). Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an understanding of human development from infancy to old age. Students will understand how psychologists approach human development, and the main theoretical approaches. They will understand the specific methodological requirements of developmental psychology. They will understand the role of culture in human development.
Content:
This unit combines an overview of key issues in theory and method in the study of human development and addresses questions of relevance to future practitioners in psychology and other social services. How does the 'well-equipped strange' infant become a competent adult? How does language develop? The role of culture in individual development. Life 'crises' and normal transitions. How does the growing individual become a moral and social agent? The development of 'self'.


PSYC0008: Cognitive psychology

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0001, Pre PSYC0002, Pre PSYC0058

Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of cognitive psychology including current methodological and theoretical issues. Students will understand the principles of human cognitive functioning, and the main debates and theoretical controversies. They will be familiar with the methodological issues surrounding research on cognition.
Content:
How psychologists model and investigate information processing, problem solving, reasoning, perception and the representation of knowledge. Consciousness, monitoring and attention. How we use tools, and their relationship to thinking. Models of mind/brain relations. Problems of logic and rationality. Individual and interpersonal factors in tasks and problems. Experts and novices. Decision making.


PSYC0009: Social psychology

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0001

Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the relationship between individual, social and cultural psychological processes Students will understand the ways in which psychologists approach problems of communication and the construction of meaning. They will be familiar with the debates about the individual and the social and cultural context.
Content:
Language as dialogue and social negotiation. Rhetoric and discourse: how to persuade, argue, negotiate and interpret. The construction and communication of representation of meaning. The relationships between individual schemas, representations and lay theories, and social and cultural repertoires. Effective and ineffective communication. The role of metaphor and narrative in individual and cultural meaning.


PSYC0010: Clinical psychology

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0001, Pre PSYC0002

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the work of clinical psychologists in the main areas of Adult Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and work with older adults. At the end of the course students should be able to set this work within the context of organisational change within the NHS and to contrast a psychological approach with other approaches, such as those of psychiatry. Students will also have more extensive knowledge of a specific psychotherapeutic technique.
Content:
The basis of psychiatric diagnosis; introduction to counselling and psychotherapy; depression; loss and bereavement; anxiety; schizophrenia; learning disabilities; older adults; eating disorders; the context of work and evaluating interventions.


PSYC0013: Models of counselling & psychotherapy

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic: Psychology

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0001

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the main models of counselling and psychotherapy used in clinical practice. At the end of the course students should be able to set this work within the context of the main issues and dilemmas involved in working psychotherapeutically and to be familiar with some of the clinical problems that people present to a therapist. Students will also be able to formulate a clinical case.
Content:
The context within which psychotherapists and counsellors work; the main models of psychotherapy (i.e., psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive, systemic, humanistic and group); evaluating interventions (outcome and process research); a postmodernist approach to counselling and psychotherapy.


PSYC0015: Economic & political psychology

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0009

Aims & learning objectives:
The theoretical basis of this course will be on the psychological organisation of social, political, economic and ethical beliefs, and their development and aetiology. The implicit models of psychological processes that underpin expert and common-sense conceptions of rationality and ethics. The problematic nature of links between beliefs and action. The tensions between 'discourse' and 'ideology' models of explanation.
Content:
Topics include: psychological models of ideology in the organisation of beliefs; mainstream and emergent political-social beliefs (feminism, Green politics); lay beliefs, e.g., about unemployment, poverty, ethics; concepts of fairness and equity; moral development; elite beliefs - what constitutes 'legitimation'? Political propaganda and rhetoric. Social movements, social change and intergroup relations. Students must have undertaken one other unit from Cognitive (SOCS0089), Developmental (SOCS0088) and Clinical Psychology (SOCS0091), as well as the necessary pre-requisite (SOCS0090).


PSYC0016: Health psychology

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0008, Pre PSYC0009

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to concepts, theory, methods and applications of health psychology. Students will be introduced to health psychology theory and methods using the concepts of social psychology and psychobiology. They will be expected to know about the range of methods appropriate to the measuring process and evaluating outcomes in health psychology. A major theme in the course questions what it means to be healthy or well and to have a good quality of life in relation to health care and investigates how this can be assessed. They will be in a position to appreciate some of the key interventions designed by health psychologists for use in clinical and non-clinical settings with patients suffering from the major chronic disease groups, e.g., cardiovascular, cancer and chronic pain conditions. The reporting of symptoms and the management of acute illness in GP consultations forms a central part of the course. Attention will be paid to the range of settings in which health care is delivered and the impact of hospitalisation and institutionalisation. The seminars provide a range of topics connected with preventing disease e.g., AIDS and on health promotion and education. Students will be expected to be able to set the psychology of health within a broad multidisciplinary context in the health and social sciences. They will be encouraged to understand not only how health care is appraised by patients/clients, but also the reciprocal role of giving care on the part of health care workers. They should be able to appraise the dynamics of organising psychological care within the health care system.


PSYC0017: Controversies in cognition

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0007, Pre PSYC0008, Ex PSYC0063

Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of current issues and controversies in psychology
Content:
The course will address key issues in contemporary psychology relating to cognition, language and models of mind. These will include: problems of consciousness and the interface of neuroscience, cognitive science and philosophy; connectionist theory and its implications; the rise of evolutionary psychology; debates about culture and human development. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate unit PSYC0063 of the same title.


PSYC0019: Artificial minds: Minds, machines & persons

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES60 CW20 PR20

Requisites: Pre PSYC0008, Pre PSYC0025, Ex PSYC0061

Undergraduate students must have taken one of the above pre-requisites in order to take this unit. Aims & learning objectives:
This course introduces some recent research in the field of computer-based modeling and simulation of human activities which require the intelligent use of knowledge, otherwise known as Artificial Intelligence. We will approach machine intelligence through two complementary questions: could human intelligence be simulated, equaled or even exceeded by machines? Can the machine-metaphor still help us understand human cognitive and social processes? Students will understand the relevance of research in A. I. to larger questions concerning the nature of intelligence and of scientific approaches to the replication of complex attributes such as intelligence.
Content:
Machine-metaphors for human thinking and reasoning now compete with evolutionary biology and neurology for influence in both psychological and sociological approaches to human behaviour. The course will provide historical background, will introduce some of the main approaches and research projects in the field, and will set out two main areas of debate: criticisms made by AI researchers about rival approaches, and arguments of philosophers, sociologists and psychologists about the attempt to simulate intelligence. Students will become familiar with key authors and texts, and will learn to evaluate claims about computer programs relating to:
* their power, intelligence or other capabilities
* their influence upon psychological and social theory
* their continuing role in psychological and social research
* their influence on our notions of expertise, intelligence, creativity and humanity. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate unit of the same title PSYC0061.


PSYC0020: Artificial lives: Simulation, modelling & visualisation of complex systems

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: PR60 ES40

Requisites: Ex PSYC0062

Aims & learning objectives:
This unit allows students to develop their understanding of recent applications of computer modeling and simulation techniques to cognitive and social processes. Students will be required to examine the literature relating to two influential developments simulation techniques. No prior programming or modeling experience is necessary, but practical work with simulation software will be expected. Students will understand the application of current research techniques in AI and simulation to the explanation of consciousness and to the exploration of the dynamics of group processes, and demonstrate basic familiarity with simulation software and the evaluation of its use.
Content:
This course explores the application of biological models in AI and to social processes. Students will be expected to understand the applications of computer simulation in the natural and social sciences, the methods of two major research projects(in cognitive psychology or a social science), and the implications of computer simulation for psychological theories of communication, social interaction, cognition, brain function and consciousness. Students will undertake practical projects in the form of experiments with computer models and simulation programs, and the evaluation of such programs, which will be written up as a project report. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate unit of the same title PSYC0062.


PSYC0057: Becoming a social person

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre PSYC0001

Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of how we become 'social beings'. Students will understand the core questions of social psychology and the development of social processes. They will be acquainted with classic studies in social and developmental psychology and the ways in which psychologists have approached the social nature of the human.
Content:
The unit will use 'classic' studies in social and developmental psychology to address the following: How do we form early relationship and attachment? How do we make friends? How do we form impressions of others? How do we behave in groups? How do groups affect our identity? What is the basis of prejudice, discrimination and inter-group relations? How do we develop and change our beliefs and attitudes?


PSYC0058: The intelligent being

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Pre PSYC0001

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a foundation understanding of cognitive processes. The student will understand the basic questions that psychologists have addressed regarding learning, memory and reasoning. They will have been introduced to the methods and theories by which research has been conducted in general psychology.
Content:
This unit will introduce some of the classic studies which address the questions: How do we learn? How do we remember? How do we reason and solve problems? How have psychologists thought about learning, remembering and reasoning? How have psychologists thought about intelligence and how has it been measured? How does intelligence develop? What is the role of emotion in our understanding of the world? What can we learn from the errors we make? The unit will highlight different approaches in psychology and where they contrast.


SOCP0001: Introduction to social policy & the welfare state 1

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce basic concepts of social policy; to examine the historical evolution of social policy and the welfare state in Britain; to review and analyse recent developments in major social service areas; to introduce the work of 'classic' writers in social policy.
Content:
Services and sectors in Social Policy; 1834 Poor Law; the 1842 'Sanitary Report'; The Liberal Reforms and the Introduction of Pensions; Beveridge and the impact of the 2nd World war; the Post-War Welfare State; Thatcherism and Social Policy; Educational Reform; Housing; Community Care


SOCP0002: Introduction to social policy & the welfare state 2

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Pre SOCP0001

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an introduction to social policy as a field of study. To examine the nature and extent of poverty and inequality in Britain today, as a means of developing an understanding of social policies as a field of study.
Content:
Introduction to Social Policy; Concepts and Definitions of Poverty; Social Exclusion; Evidence on the Incidence of Poverty and Inequality; Demographic Factors and their relationship to Poverty; Poverty, Gender and 'Race'; Poverty and Policy.


SOCP0003: 'Race' & racism

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To develop an understanding of issues of 'race' and ethnicity. To examine the dimensions of discrimination and disadvantage in Britain. To analyse key policy areas to highlight the prevalence and effects of racism. To evaluate attempts to eradicate racism, discrimination and disadvantage.
Content:
Concepts of 'Race' and Ethnicity; Racial Inequality in Britain; Racism; Colonialism; Racial Harassment; Immigration; Race Relations Law; Multi-Culturalism, Anti-Racism and Education; Urban Unrest; 'Race', Racism and Policing; 'Race' and Citizenship.


SOCP0004: Family and gender

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To examine changing patterns of family and working life, the causes of these, and their implications for gender roles and for social policy, in the UK and elsewhere.
Content:
Definitions of the family; The politics of the family; The regulation of sexual behaviour, marriage & divorce; Lone parenthood; Feminist theory and the family; Childhood and children's rights; Support for families; Concepts of Family policy; The relationship between family policy and other areas of policy.


SOCP0005: Politics and the policy process

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Ex ECOI0080

Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces students to key concepts for analysing the policy-making process. By the end of the unit students should have a basic understanding of problems and issues in the making and implementation of social policy in Britain. This course has a common lecture programme with the Politics and Policy course, however each course has a separate seminar programme.
Content:
Each lecture covers one conceptual topic, including: Introduction to Policy Analysis; Theories of the State; Power; Models of Decision-making and Policy Formulation; Implementation; Street-Level Decision-Making; Organisational Constraints; Interest Groups and Policy Communities. The seminars apply these to topical issues in social policy.


SOCP0006: Political values & social policy

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces students to a range of values and principles used to justify the role of the state in social policy. By the end of the module students should be familiar with the broad range of principles and should be able to apply some of them to current debates.
Content:
Each lecture will cover one core principle, including: Need, Freedom, Equality, Justice, Citizenship, Community. The seminars will apply each to one issue or problem in contemporary social policy; for example, training schemes and equality of opportunity; citizenship and rights to a basic income.


SOCP0008: Social policy dissertation 1

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: OT100

Requisites: Co SOCP0009

Aims & learning objectives:
To design and conduct a research project on an approved social policy topic. To gain experience of undertaking primary research in social policy. To develop a critical awareness of methodological issues in applied social research.
Content:
Students will choose a specific research topic and design a research project. Students will undertake fieldwork research on their chosen topic.


SOCP0009: Social policy dissertation 2

Semester 2

Credits: 12

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: DS100

Requisites: Co SOCP0008

Aims & learning objectives:
To complete fieldwork research undertaken in Semester 1. To analyse fieldwork data. To prepare a research dissertation on the student's chosen topic.
Content:
Students will complete their fieldwork research (started in Semester 1) and analyse data collected. Students will write up their research projects in the form of a 10,000 word dissertation.


SOCP0010: Social policy evaluation

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre SOCP0002

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the principal approaches to social policy evaluation, and to develop the capacity to apply appropriately these approaches to policy examples. As a result of this course, students should
* understand the strategic and political dimensions of social policy evaluation
* be able to compare and contrast the strengths of the different approaches and their uses in different settings
* be able to design an evaluation project
* be able to write a project report
Content:
1. What is evaluation and why evaluate? 2. Evaluation methodology 3. Effectiveness, efficiency and economy 4. Performance indicators, outcomes and quality assessment 5. Illuminative evaluation 6. The evaluation of innovation 7. The politics and organisation of evaluation 8. Learning through experience


SOCP0011: Health policies & politics

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
This course aims to develop an understanding of how health policy integrates with wider social policy issues, as well as a detailed understanding of the content and dynamism of health policy processes. As a result , students should
* understand the impact of different welfare models on health care systems in Europe and America
* understand the political forces behind health care reform in the British NHS
* understand the pressures exerted on health care systems and the range of responses that have arisen
* be able to compare and contrast the strengths of the different approaches and their uses in different settings
Content:
1. Health, health care and health policy 2. Comparing health systems: the UK 3. Comparing health systems: the USA and Europe 4. Pressures on health care systems (1) Demographic and economic changes 5. Pressures on health care systems (2) Science and technology 6. Politics of reform: 50 years of the NHS 7. Rationing and priority setting 8. Medicine and the media: the effect on policy 9. Paying for care and the mixed economy 10. Evaluating health care and health policy 11. Informing health policy: the politics of data gathering 12. The New Public Health


SOCP0012: European social policy: a comparative approach

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002

Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces students to the social policies of several European countries. By the end of the module students should have a basic knowledge of the patterns and development of welfare policies in these countries and be able to situate them in relation to models of different welfare state regimes.
Content:
The course adopts two approaches to the material. In the first part, it examines in depth the development of social policies in specific countries which represent different 'welfare regimes': Germany, Sweden, Italy and Russia/ Central Europe. Second, it then compares specific policy areas across these countries, such as pensions and health services. The module concludes by considering the impact of the EU and the prospects for converging social policies in Europe.


SOCP0013: Social security policy and welfare reform

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002

Aims & learning objectives:
To compare different ways of meeting financial need, including historical and cross-national comparisons. To examine the assumptions and values that structure social security provision. To examine approaches to welfare reform in Australia, the USA and the UK in the 1980s and 1990s.
Content:
The scope of structure of social security policy; Models of social security policy; Reviews and reforms; Australia, UK, USA; Social Security expenditure trends; Benefit take-up and adequacy; Fraud and Abuse. Reform in relation to specific policy areas: Unemployment and work incentives; Families and lone parents, Child Support; Housing; Pensions; Disability.


SOCP0016: Communication skills

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The course aims to extend and develop the communication skills of students for use in social work practice.
Content:
Various styles of communication are addressed with the main focus on interviewing, report writing and non verbal communication. Telephone skills, assertiveness, working with interpreters and use of Makaton signing are considered and students are provided with information about extra-curricular specialist training available locally. There is an introductory session on observation. Students are encouraged to apply their communication skills to future interactions with service users, colleagues and other professionals and to consider issues of power and status. The importance of developing anti-discriminatory practice is emphasised at all levels of communication but particularly in face to face interactions with serve users. Effective non-oppressive ways of communicating with disadvantaged groups such as minority ethnic groups, older people, disabled people, people with mental health problems or learning difficulties and children are explored. The course asks students to think, to plan and to reflect before they take action. They are required to examine themselves closely to develop awareness of what they communicate about themselves and what they carry with them into interactions. They will consider their abilities to empathise, to respect and to understand the positions of others. Small groups, role plays and other exercises are used to practice listening and interviewing skills.


SOCP0017: Groupwork

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with a basic understanding of the theory and competencies in the practice of working with groups in human service organisations. Objectives of the unit are that students will be able to identify indications and counter-indications for using groupwork as a method of intervention, plan and induct members into formed groups, select appropriate leadership styles and the tasks associated with them, understand the groupwork role in relation to self-led groups, solve common groupwork problems, and evaluate the process and outcomes of groupwork.
Content:

* purposes of groupwork
* group typologies
* models of group development
* planning groups
* leadership styles and tasks
* working with user-led groups
* problem-solving in groups
* recording and evaluating groups


SOCP0018: Community profiling: research in action

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0105

Aims & learning objectives:
Students will achieve a level of understanding of the importance within social welfare of good information, particularly the needs of users and potential users of social services. They will explore the importance of "hearing the voice" of communities and individuals in planning service development. They will build upon prior knowledge to develop an understanding of the range of skills necessary for successful information gathering and social research in a real social research project. They will learn skills in working collaboratively, both within project teams and with others involved in service user and provider networks. They will build upon year one experience of managing workloads, collecting and collating data and presenting it in different forms for information purposes.
Content:
This will be achieved by teaching input on the context, purpose and value of community profiling as a responsive, user-focused and anti-discriminatory task, and the skills and knowledge base for effective practice. Students will then carry out small projects in collaborative groups, either within the University Community (e.g. exploring an issue in relation to disabled students), or for a local community organisation. Non-SWASS students will be allocated more complex projects that will reflect the level of attainment expected of their status as second year students. Tutorial support will be available during the process of these projects, and there will be a presentation day when all teams will present their final reports. This unit shares teaching with a level 1 unit of the same title (SOCP0105).


SOCP0019: Developing professional competence 1

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces the style of learning to facilitate the transition from university student to qualified practitioner - the development of professional competence.
Content:
Models of adult learning; observation techniques for social work practice; exploration of the links between theory and practice in social work; values in practice; methods of obtaining user feedback; core knowledge on welfare rights; the legal framework of social work; statutory, voluntary and private sectors; conflicts and dilemmas in transferring social work values to practice; use of supervision.


SOCP0020: Discrimination & empowerment in social work

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
To build on prior understanding of how some groups in society are marginalised and discriminated against; to understand the way in which social work practice and social work organisations impact on these groups; raising awareness of discrimination to form the development of strategies for practice individually and collectively, personally and professionally, which will reduce service users' experience of discrimination and enable them to take greater control of their lives; to learn how to evaluate practice using skills learnt elsewhere, eg personal reflection, service user feedback, supervision, group discussion, use of theory and recorded experience.
Content:
Group rules for discussing challenging issues in a group setting; reflections on childhood and the experience of marginalisation; developing personal action plans; raising personal awareness and developing strategies in relation to racism, sexism and discrimination against children, mental health service users, disabled people, older people, people with learning difficulties and people diagnosed as HIV positive; the social model of disability and the way it informs social work practice; ageism and social work with older people; gay men and lesbians; learning about HIV, AIDS and the implications for social work.


SOCP0021: Social work placement 1

Semester 1

Credits: 18

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
To enable students to develop and then to demonstrate that they have acquired, integrated and applied the knowledge, skills and values for social work practice.
Content:
Development to a foundation level of the six core competencies: communicate and engage; promote and enable; assess and plan; intervene and provide services; work in organisations; develop professional competence. Also demonstration that the value requirements have been met; ie that they identify and question their own values and prejudices and their implications for practice; respect and value uniqueness and diversity and recognise and build on strengths; promote people's rights to choice, privacy confidentiality and protection whilst recognising and addressing the complexities of competing rights and demands; assist people to increase control of and improve the quality of their lives, while recognising that control of behaviour will be required at times in order to protect children and adults from harm; identify, analyse and take action to counter discrimination, racism, disadvantage, inequality and injustice, using strategies appropriate to role and function; and practise in a manner that does not stigmatise or disadvantage either individuals, groups or communities.


SOCP0022: Organisation & management of personal social services

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002

Aims & learning objectives:
Students will build upon direct or indirect knowledge of Personal Social Services organisations to understand the connections between policy, organisation, practice and service delivery. They will learn what effect organisation has on the development of social work practice and service delivery, with additional focus on other roles within the Personal Social Services - e.g. the role of management, and inter-disciplinary practice.
Content:
Values in the Personal Social Services. Supervision: contrasting and comparing styles experienced in practice. Functions of supervision and the effect in learning in organisations. Priority setting and planning in PSS. Exploring how and why social workers ration services. Is it possible for rationing to improve service delivery? Workload and time-management. Recording: relating recording to purpose, evaluating records - power, open recording and access to records in the Law. Teams in the PSS - what is their purpose and value? Issues and problems of decision-making in multi-disciplinary meetings. Understanding the agency as an organisation. What are organisational aims and objectives and how are competing aims resolved? A critical view of the role and function of management in the PSS.


SOCP0023: Child care research & practice

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this course are: to develop students' skills in child observation; to build their understanding of the links between child care research and practice; to consider the implications of legislation for practice; to build their knowledge of recent child care research findings and to develop their ability to critically evaluate and use this research to inform their practice; and to ensure all students have a grounding in the principles and practice of child protection work.
Content:
Topics covered include: the skills of observation for child assessment; Research, policy and practice links. Historical overview of child care developments. Backdrop to the 1989 Children Act; key concepts of the Act and their implications for practice. Child care research of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Children in need, family support and direct work. Children looked after. Child protection: key points of the 1989 Children Act; definitions of child abuse; child abuse in a social context; personal, professional and theoretical perspectives on child abuse; indicators, signs and symptoms of abuse; multi-agency work in child protection; child protection procedures; issues of ethnicity and culture; assessment in child protection; research and its relevance for practice.


SOCP0024: Legislation for social work practice 1

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the unit is to provide an introduction to the framework of child care legislation applicable to personal social services agencies and to practitioners. Learning objectives include first, the development of a basic comprehension of the principles and key facts in child care law and youth justice; secondly, to prepare students who intend to become practitioners with the knowledge base required to help them to safeguard children and promote their welfare and thirdly, to equip students with the skills to apply the law to practice.
Content:
Each week focuses on one area of legislation. Topics include: private law; Social Services support to families; child protection; Care and Supervision Orders; family placements; residential placements; regulation and monitoring, youth justice and family court welfare.


SOCP0025: Theories & methods in social work

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
This course aims to introduce students to the main social work methods within their theoretical frameworks. Learning objectives include: providing knowledge of a wide range of social work methods within their theoretical contexts; developing critical, analytical and reflective skills; equipping students to engage in self-assessment and evaluation of learning and practice; clarifying the links between theory and practice and enabling students to apply theories and methods to social work practice.
Content:
The relationship between theory and practice is examined critically and the question 'what works in social work?' is posed. An overview of theories which impact upon social work is given and distinctions drawn between the broad theoretical perspectives which underpin practice and those theories of social work methods which more closely prescribe action. To meet the learning needs of future practitioners, theories and methods which have most relevance to present day social work are selected as the knowledge base most likely to inform future practice. They include counselling; family therapy; task-centred work; crisis intervention; behavioural and cognitive approaches. Methods of working with alcohol and drug dependency involves contrasting a social and psychological approach with a medical one. Motivational interviewing is taught in this context. Various styles of adult learning are used and students are expected to participate in small groups, role plays and other exercises. Placement experiences provide illustrations of theories and methods in practice and also case examples for analysis.


SOCP0026: Sociology of social work

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES100

Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002, Ex SOCP0106

Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of the unit are to deepen students existing understanding of sociological theory through its application to the topic of social work, and to consider social work as a substantive focus of sociological inquiry. Objectives of the unit are that students should be able to draw on and apply a range of sociological perspectives in the analysis of social work and social services, and that they should develop a critical understanding of a range of contemporary controversies in social work and the personal social services.
Content:

* relationships between sociological theory and social work
* the social construction of child abuse
* professionalisation and social work
* discourse and social work
* social models of disability
* power and social work
* gender and social work
* 'race' and social work
* technology, post-Fordism and social services This unit shares teaching with a level 1 unit of the same title (SOCP0106).


SOCP0027: Social work dissertation 1

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss one topic of relevance to social work in depth. Through preparation of the dissertation they develop their capacity for critical analysis, evaluation, application of theory and integration of values in practice
Content:
Preparation of an outline of the dissertation plus selected bibliography.


SOCP0028: Social work dissertation 2

Semester 1

Credits: 12

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: DS100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss one topic of relevance to social work in depth. Through preparation of the dissertation they develop their capacity for critical analysis, evaluation, application of theory and integration of values in practice
Content:
Knowledge and understanding of related concepts and theories from the social sciences must be evident in the analysis, which should also include an evaluation of research and published accounts of practice in the specific area of study. Topics might include a particular social work task, a form of social work intervention, a particular issue of relevance to social work etc. Students will be expected to undertake and to present a review of relevant literature.


SOCP0028: Social work dissertation 2

Semester 2

Credits: 12

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: DS100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss one topic of relevance to social work in depth. Through preparation of the dissertation they develop their capacity for critical analysis, evaluation, application of theory and integration of values in practice
Content:
Knowledge and understanding of related concepts and theories from the social sciences must be evident in the analysis, which should also include an evaluation of research and published accounts of practice in the specific area of study. Topics might include a particular social work task, a form of social work intervention, a particular issue of relevance to social work etc. Students will be expected to undertake and to present a review of relevant literature.


SOCP0029: Legislation for social work practice 2

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0107

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
This unit complements the child care law module in the previous summer term. The aim is to help future practitioners to develop sufficient understanding of the legal framework and the law specific to social work to appreciate the implications for practice.
Content:
The course is taught by specialist practitioners and academics with practice experience to maintain the focus upon social work values and the tensions between them and legal constraints. The unit explains how the law may be used as an effective social work tool as well as how to work within its parameters. Students are directed towards sources rather than offered exhaustive accounts of the detailed law government each area. They are expected to supplement course materials with further reading and research. Specific topics include: social work practice in the Courts, - law and mental health, - law and disability, - law and race, - law and older people, - law and homelessness, - law and sex discrimination. This unit shares teaching with a unit of the same title which is assessed differently (SOCP0107).


SOCP0030: Developing professional competence 3: principles of practice

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
To respond to ethical issues in social work practice raised for students in their prior learning; to develop thinking in identifying and clarifying values and principles for social work generally and students individually; to explore some of the ethical dilemmas and confusions raised in everyday social work practice.
Content:
General consideration of ethics and their place in social work; identification of ethical issues and dilemmas from students' experience - eg values and conflicts of interest; authority and accountability in social work; cultural relativism and values; values and the maintenance of purpose and morale.


SOCP0031: Community care

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0108

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
To focus prior knowledge, skills and understanding of values into the broad area of Community Care; to develop this prior understanding to prepare students for practice in their preferred area for final placement; to understand the development of Community Care both as a range of concepts and as a way of organising and delivering social services to service users; to develop specific understanding of the role and practice of care managers in assessment for, delivery and development of services; to respond to the interests and learning needs of individual students in this broad subject area (eg in relation to service user groups or type of service provision); to provide a service user focus on the delivery of service.
Content:
Flexible to accommodate students' own learning aims but will include: the development of Community Care; service user involvement in both care management and service development; care management skills, including user empowerment; community work skills (assessment of community needs, service development, networking, collaboration with formal and informal community groups); multi-disciplinary work; diversity of Community Care provision (the "mixed economy of care"); informal carers; gender, culture and the concept of caring. This unit shares teaching with a unit of the same title which is assessed differently (SOCP0108).


SOCP0032: Mental health

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
This programme is designed to prepare students for practice in a range of mental health settings. It aims to develop students' understanding of the interrelationships between the statutory and independent sectors and the importance of developing skills for working at the interface of these sectors; and then offer core knowledge and skills, complimenting clinical psychology and alcohol and drugs dependency modules.
Content:
This course begins with a focus on the knowledge and skills required to undertake networking, multi-disciplinary work and inter-agency work. It draws on students' placement experience. It then relates these to work in the mental health field. The course covers a range of mental health perspectives and social work methods. It focuses upon racism and psychiatry, user participation, community care and multi disciplinary practice, mental health and gender, working with carers, mental health social work with older people, statutory mental health procedures and practice, and services for mentally disordered offenders.


SOCP0033: Children & families

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0109

This unit is for SWASS and ASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of the course are: to develop students' understanding of the interrelationships between the statutory and independent sectors and the importance of developing skills for working at the interface of these sectors; to enable students to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to work with children and families.
Content:
This course begins with a focus on the knowledge and skills required to undertaken networking, multi-disciplinary work and inter-agency work. It draws on students' placement experience. It then relates these to work with children and families, focusing on such topics as: child observation; life-cycles; parent child relationships; family support work; direct work with adults and with children; attachment and loss; children and mental health; children with special needs; child abuse; its impact and long-term effects; assessment of risk; treatment methods; planning work; contracts and written agreements; reviews and evaluations; children and young people looked after; theories of residential care; impact of the child care system. Adoption and fostering; the role of the Guardian ad Litem; working with families post-divorce/separation; working with stepfamilies; youth justice and young offenders. Throughout the sessions we ensure the voices of service users are heard; that is, the views of parents and of children and young people who have been in receipt of social work support and/or intervention in their lives. This unit shares teaching with a unit of the same title which is assessed differently (SOCP0109).


SOCP0034: Working with offenders

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

pre SOCP0049 or SOCP0050 for non-SWASS students Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to examine and evaluate methods of working with convicted offenders within the criminal justice system. The context is practice and legislation. The unit is preparation for those who are considering working with offenders in a wide range of agancies and organisations, not just probation and social work. As well as having vocational relevance, this unit is suitable for those with academic and research interests. For non social work students the unit builds upon earlier learning, either from the Sociology of Crime and Deviance unit and the Sociology of Criminal Justice Policy unit, by adding perspectives from practice and the detail of legislation.
Content:
The core knowledge base comprises: community sentences;prison work; post-release supervision; National Standards for the supervision of offenders; PSRs; the value base of work with offenders; methods - theory and practice [with emphasis upon cognitive-behavioural programmes]; effectiveness and the "What works?" debate; risk assessment; working with addictions, homelessness and educational needs. Categories of offenders include: children and young offenders; women; mentally disordered offenders; sex offenders; lifers and other serious offenders.


SOCP0035: Social work placement 2

Semester 2

Credits: 24

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Only available to Social Work Students Aims & learning objectives:
To enable students to develop and then to demonstrate that they have acquired, integrated and applied the knowledge, skills and values for social work practice.
Content:
Development of the six core competencies: communicate and engage; promote and enable; assess and plan; intervene and provide services; work in organisations; develop professional competence. Also demonstration that the value requirements have been met; ie that they identify and question their own values and prejudices and their implications for practice; respect and value uniqueness and diversity and recognise and build on strengths; promote people's rights to choice, privacy confidentiality and protection whilst recognising and addressing the complexities of competing rights and demands; assist people to increase control of and improve the quality of their lives, while recognising that control of behaviour will be required at times in order to protect children and adults from harm; identify, analyse and take action to counter discrimination, racism, disadvantage, inequality and injustice, using strategies appropriate to role and function; and practise in a manner that does not stigmatise or disadvantage either individuals, groups or communities.


SOCP0043: Sociology of industrial societies 1: classical theories

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites: Co SOCP0044

Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the basic sociological questions, theories and evidence of industrial society
Content:
To answer the following questions: 1) How and why is industrial society distinctive? 2) Does industrial society have a logic of social differentiation, based on conflict , control, or social order? Differences in work, authority and decision making, kinship and gender, culture and community. The theories of Marx, Durkheim and Weber.


SOCP0044: Sociology of industrial societies 2: social change & social control

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Co SOCP0043

Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the changing nature of industrial societies, modern and post-modern theories and evidence of social stratification, organisation and control
Content:
To answer the following questions: 1) Do industrial societies display common trends, even superseding industrialism? 2) What are the main modes of social regulation and social control in changing societies? Theories and evidence of post-industrialism, convergence, managerialism, ethnic and gender forms of social stratification in relation to social control and citizenship.


SOCP0047: Sociology of work & industry

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0044

Aims & learning objectives:
This course examines sociological approaches to the changing forms of work and work organisations. Key issues include rationalisation and bureaucratisation; the introduction and impact of new technologies; managerial and worker strategies in the control of work; conflict and accommodation at the workplace; corporate structure - ownership, control and managerialism, implications for theories of class and gender relationships. The course investigates these issues in three broad contexts: the period of early industrialisation, the development of mass production and 'Fordism' and the growth and consolidation of modern industrial structures.


SOCP0048: Understanding industrial behaviour

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0044

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course is to give students a Sociological understanding of industrial behaviour, showing the competing paradigms and theories that describe industrial relationships, institutions and social structures.
Content:
The course takes students through the main debates in management and work organisation theory, looking at Taylorism and Fordism. The Hawthorne Studies and the early Human Relations School. This is followed by an analysis of the Socio-Technical School and its prescriptions. Contingency Theory and Labour Process Theory bring the debates up to the 1990s. During the course a number of case study examples are used to illustrate the key points of the differing schools.


SOCP0049: The sociology of crime & deviance

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 CW50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0044

Aims & learning objectives:
Introduction to the main sociological theories of crime and deviance. The course also provides invaluable preparation for the Sociology of Criminal Justice Policy and the necessary undergraduate training for all those who intend to do postgraduate work in the areas of crime and/or social control.
Content:
Divided into two parts the lectures and seminars cover, in the first part, the history of the sociology of crime from the late 19th century to the present day; in the second, they deal with THREE major crime-related sociological issues: class and crime, racism and crime; and gender and crime.


SOCP0050: Sociology of criminal justice policy

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0049

Aims & learning objectives:
Current research and policy issues in the criminal justice and penal systems. It will examine trends in criminal policy; the politics of policing and police accountability; the development of penal sanctions and the related issues of alternatives to custodial measures; the efficacy and equity, or lack of them, of the legal processes of the criminal courts; the role of new technologies; the management of prisons including the issues of privatisation and other issues concerning the social context of penal policy.


SOCP0051: Social structure & languages of class

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this unit are to demonstrate differences in structural theories of industrial and capitalist societies, and to develop an understanding of the ways in which classical sociological theory has been developed and changed to explain social stratification and inequality.
Content:
Parsons' AGIL framework, and the Functionalist Theory of Stratification. Althusser and 'structuralist' Marxism, contributions from the Frankfurt School. Empirical issues and evidence from the sociology of class and stratification.


SOCP0052: Theoretical issues in sociology

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0062

Aims & learning objectives:
This module examines key debates in contemporary social theory and their relationship to classical sociology. These will include such issues as: the debate over human agency versus social structure; power and knowledge; language and social interaction; modernity and postmodernity; industrialism and postindustrialism and globalisation.


SOCP0054: Power & commitment in organisations

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0048

Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course is to explore the themes of ideology, power and legitimacy in the context of organisations. To look at different methodological and empirical attempts to study these issues in enterprise and organisational contexts. By the end of the course the student will have familiarity with a number of ways of qualitatively apprehending the operation and construction of legitimate forms of management.
Content:
The course begins with the theoretical problem of conceptualising power. Students are introduced to the Marxist and Weberian approaches and to Lukes' philosophical attempt to distinguish three different dimensions. The course then looks at specific themes starting with Decision-making in enterprises and boardroom activity. Other themes are Collective bargaining, the creation of rules and industrial legality. Worker participation and consultation. Managerial strategies to gain commitment, the growth of corporate cultures, Japanisation and Human Resource Management practices.


SOCP0055: Comparative industrial relations

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES40 CW10

Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044

Aims & learning objectives:
This course examines the changing role of trade unions in industrial societies - their relationship to the state and political parties, the significance of ideology and different national traditions; the economic and social causes and consequences of industrial conflict. Comparative cross-national studies will focus on the post-war period, conflict and maturation approaches and union responses to economic, social and political adversity.


SOCP0056: Environmental policy & the countryside

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To develop a clear understanding of the politics of the policy process as it applies to the countryside and the environment
Content:
Concern for the environment has become a radical and innovative element in European politics. By focusing on developments between the passage of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act and the publication of the 1995 Rural White Paper the Unit explains the factors which have transformed the agenda of rural policy making. Corporatist politics and competitive pluralist politics are contrasted and special attention is given to the changing balance of private and public rights and responsibilities in the countryside.


SOCP0057: Sociology dissertation 1

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Co SOCP0058

Aims & learning objectives:
Application of sociological principles and methodology to piece of empirical research. Dissertation modules I & 2 are linked units. These will be jointly assessed at the end of the year by a final mark based on the assessment of the completed dissertation of not more than 10,000 words. By the end of Semester I students will be required to submit a progress report and synopsis in order to progress to Dissertation 2. All students will also by required to make a presentation of their work to the workshops.


SOCP0058: Sociology dissertation 2

Semester 2

Credits: 12

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: DS100

Requisites: Co SOCP0057

Aims & learning objectives:
See Dissertation I (SOCS0133).


SOCP0059: Core skills for social scientists: social research methods

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Co SOCP0110

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to classical, influential examples of investigations and research in various social sciences, and to introduce the main methods as well as philosophical and methodological issues raised by each.
Content:
Classical and influential case studies in political, sociological and psychological research; different types of methods; classification, quantification and meaning; controversial studies and their implications.


SOCP0060: Quantitative methods: Surveys & data analysis

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Co SOCP0110

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the main assumptions, concepts and methods of survey methods, sampling, descriptive and inferential statistics, and to establish basic competence sufficient for investigative, exploratory data analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). By the end of the course the students will be able to:
* use techniques for conducting a small surveys
* use a number of basic statistical techniques and tests employed in descriptive and inferential statistics
* use the basic functions of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in analysing quantitative data
* recognise the broader theoretical and methodological issues that arise from (and accompany) the use of quantitative methods in social research.
Content:
Basic principles of surveys, construction of questionnaires and sampling; Basic descriptive statistics and Graphical Representation of Quantitative Data; Measures of central tendency and variability; Introduction to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS); The normal distribution and z-scores; Tests of associations: An overview of tests for Nominal, Ordinal and Interval/ Ration variables; Introduction to Inferential Statistics; Estimates, Hypothesis testing and Predictions; Tests for significance for Nominal variables (the chi-square test).


SOCP0061: Quantitative methods: Advanced techniques for social & policy research

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Pre SOCP0060

Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate the statistical knowledge that was obtained during SOCP0060 and introduce advanced quantitative methods and techniques for the analysis of social and policy issues. By the end of the course the students will be able to:
* use a variety of statistical techniques and tests in analysing complex social and policy issues
* use a variety of SPSS procedures in analysing quantitative data
* understand the broader theoretical and methodological issues that arise when using quantitative methods in social research.
Content:
Introduction (revision of basic principles) and tests of significance - overview of test for nominal and ordinal variable (revision of the Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, Mann-Whitney U-test), Tests of significance for Interval/ Ratio variables [Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)], Introduction to the basic principles of Multivariate Analysis, multiple linear regression and path analysis, event history analysis.


SOCP0062: Qualitative social research methods

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: PR100

Requisites: Pre SOCP0044

Aims & learning objectives:
The evaluation of data gathered by a range of qualitative research strategies. A critical understanding and ability to assess these different approaches, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as an appreciation of the relationship between different research strategies and wider theoretical and methodological issues. Main approaches considered will include participant observation, ethnography, community studies, experiments and historical and comparative methods. Special attention will be paid to classical sociological studies in each area.


SOCP0067: Placement

Academic Year

Credits: 60

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment:

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
Students will be placed with organisations, either in the UK or overseas, which offer an opportunity for them to apply their knowledge, most typically in some sort of research or evaluation setting. The aims of the placement go beyond work experience: it is intended to provide practical experience which can be related to knowledge gained at the University; to allow students to develop personal and transferable skills (in communication, planning, time management, decision making, problem solving). It will enhance the critical appreciation of material presented in taught courses and usually provide a basis for the final year dissertation.
Content:
Further information about past placements can be obtained from the Director of Studies for Placements.


SOCP0069: Social theory & social philosophy

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this unit are to demonstrate the significance of different theories of scientific methodology for the social sciences and the distinctive contribution of the interpretivist perspective to sociological and related social sciences. Students should learn the problematic relevance of natural science models for social science and the substantive and methodological claims and value of interpretivist social theory.
Content:
Positivist models of scientific method and the interpretivist tradition in sociology: Popper, Kuhn, Winch and Weber. 'Actor-based' approaches: Goffman and ethnomethodology.


SOCP0070: Social issues in contemporary Europe

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: PR100

Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives: To develop student understanding of the major social themes affecting Europe today. This unit will adopt a comparative perspective that looks at the changing boundaries social agendas in place in major European countries. The course will attempt to display elements of convergence and divergence within those different and developing social agendas.
Content:
The idea of Europe as a social entity; EU developments promoting common social policies; comparative demographics regarding family, gender, employment, labour market, education, welfare and social policies. Comparative analysis of social institutions and modes of approach to common problems.


SOCP0071: Sociology of punishment

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives: Sociological analysis of the changing social, cultural and political meanings of formal and informal modes of penality and custodial social regulation.
Content:
Justifications for punishment, history of imprisonment, theories of imprisonment, prison populations, current issues in imprisonment, non-custodial sentences, capital punishment, studying prisons.


SOCP0072: The social dialectics of business sovereignty

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives: To identify the changing boundaries and interactions between business and society in relation to both the evolution and impact of socio-political demands for business accountability and the social foundations of business activiy; so that students understand the main challenges to business sovereignty and the inter-dependence social relationships and business enterprise.
Content:
Changes in social and political challenges to capitalist enterprise. Philosophical, historical and social structural sources of these challenges. Socialist, corporatist and environmentalist and communitarian challenges. The social foundations of business commerce and trade: trust, association, community, values, and citizenship.


SOCP0084: The politics of the welfare state

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX50 ES50

Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002

Aims and Learning Objectives: To discuss and assess different theories of policy-making in the area of social policy. To apply them to selected current social policy issues.
Content:
Socio-economic explanations; political explanations; institutional explanations; theory of welfare retrenchment; public opinion and the welfare state; the middle classes and the welfare state; the think tanks and the welfare state; globalization and the welfare state; population ageing and pension reform; the development of active labour market policies.


SOCP0085: Using existing data: secondary analysis in social research

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Co SOCP0061

Aims and Learning Objectives: To introduce students to the range of official and other statistics produced in the UK and EU, and the advantages and disadvantages of these as tools for social research. This will provide essential preparation for the final year dissertation.
Content:
Official statistics, production and use; main sources of UK data (the Census, the General Household Survey, the Family Expenditure Survey) analysing specific topics (e.g., unemployment, family trends, crime, gender, poverty); statistics on the Internet; the ESRC Data Archive.


SOCP0086: Social work placement 2 (4 year prog)

Semester 2

Credits: 30

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Requisites: pre SOCP0001, SOCP0002 for non-SWASS students Aims & learning objectives:
To enable students to develop and then to demonstrate that they have acquired, integrated and applied the knowledge, skills and values for social work practice.
Content:
Development of the six core competencies: communicate and engage; promote and enable; assess and plan; intervene and provide services; work in organisations; develop professional competence. Also demonstration that the value requirements have been met; ie that they identify and question their own values and prejudices and their implications for practice; respect and value uniqueness and diversity and recognise and build on strengths; promote people's rights to choice, privacy confidentiality and protection whilst recognising and addressing the complexities of competing rights and demands; assist people to increase control of and improve the quality of their lives, while recognising that control of behaviour will be required at times in order to protect children and adults from harm; identify, analyse and take action to counter discrimination, racism, disadvantage, inequality and injustice, using strategies appropriate to role and function; and practise in a manner that does not stigmatise or disadvantage either individuals, groups or communities.


SOCP0087: Child care research & practice (4 year prog)

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

This unit is for SWASS students only Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this course are: to develop students' skills in child observation; to build their understanding of the links between child care research and practice; to consider the implications of legislation for practice; to build their knowledge of recent child care research findings and to develop their ability to critically evaluate and use this research to inform their practice; and to ensure all students have a grounding in the principles and practice of child protection work.
Content:
Topics covered include: the skills of observation for child assessment; Research, policy and practice links. Historical overview of child care developments. Backdrop to the 1989 Children Act; key concepts of the Act and their implications for practice. Child care research of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Children in need, family support and direct work. Children looked after. Child protection: key points of the 1989 Children Act; definitions of child abuse; child abuse in a social context; personal, professional and theoretical perspectives on child abuse; indicators, signs and symptoms of abuse; multi-agency work in child protection; child protection procedures; issues of ethnicity and culture; assessment in child protection; research and its relevance for practice. This unit is co-examined with Community Care (SOCP0108) and Children & families (SOCP0109).


SOCP0090: BSc Social Sciences Placement

Academic Year

Credits: 60

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:

*Within the context of a local community, to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in University study;
*To acquire generic skills in such areas as communication, planning, problem-solving, group working and decision-making
Content:
The placements which are offered for the degree in Social Sciences are concentrated in Swindon and Wiltshire. This degree has been developed as part of the partnership between the University of Bath and the employers and educational institutions of Swindon and Wiltshire: the placement offers students the opportunity to take advantage of this partnership, by conducting a research and work experience project in the Swindon and Wiltshire community, with local as well as University support


SOCP0097: Sociology of health and illness

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES50 EX50

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
This option is intended to introduce students to the way in which sociologists have thought about health and illness. By the end of the course students should: a) be familiar with sociological issues around health and illness. b) question the role of medicine in the modern world and problematise the concepts of 'health' and 'illness'. c) be aware of inequalities in health, particularly in relation to social class, gender, age and ethnicity.
Content:
A central theme of the course is the issue of how socially constructed 'knowledges' about health and illness manifest themselves in particular systems of health care provision and why one system rather than another may be favoured at any one time. Specific topics will include: definitions of health and illness; the medicalisation of everyday life; social inequalities in health and illness; 'alternative' medicine; institutionalisation and deinstitutionalisation; gender and health; the body; ageing; dying and death.


SOCP0099: Childhood: sociological perspectives & policy issues

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment: ES100

Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce sociological theories of childhood and then to examine a range of social policies which impact upon children in the UK. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with a range of sociological theories of childhood and be able to analyse and reflect upon current social policy issues relating to children.
Content:
Definitions and models of childhood(s). Children's rights; children and the law. Children and social policy: poverty; health; education & child care; housing; children and the personal social services; vulnerable children (disabled children, traveller children, asylum seekers and refugees, child exploitation, children and the criminal justice system).


SOCP0102: Applied social studies dissertation preparation

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: CW100

Requisites: Co SOCP0103

Aims & learning objectives:
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss one topic of relevance to the fields covered by applied social studies. The aim of the dissertation is to equip students to research, organise and produce an extended piece of work in a relevant area. The objectives of the unit are that students should be able to define a topic or research question, systematically search the literature, develop a project plan for completing the dissertation, and show that they organise the intellectual content of a longer study.
Content:
Definition of a topic or research question. Systematic search and preliminary review of the literature. Development of a strategy or project plan for completing the dissertation. Production of a summary and chapter outline of the dissertation.


SOCP0103: Applied social studies dissertation

Semester 2

Credits: 12

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: DS100

Requisites: Co SOCP0102

Aims & learning objectives:
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss one topic of relevance to the fields covered by applied social studies. The aim of the dissertation is to equip students to research, organise and produce an extended piece of work in a relevant area. The objectives of the unit are that students should be able to bring to completion the dissertation prepared in the previous semester. This will include being able to show how concepts and theories from the social sciences can be applied, critically review the relevant research and practitioner literature, conduct an empirical or literature-based research study, and to write this up in the form of a dissertation.
Content:
Students will take forward the study prepared in semester 1, complete any necessary fieldwork or literature-based research, analyse the findings and write this up in the form of a 10,000 word dissertation.


SOCP0105: Community profiling: research in action - Year 1

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0018

Aims & learning objectives:
Students will gain a basic level of understanding of the importance within social welfare of good information, particularly the needs of users and potential users of social services. They will be introduced to the importance of "hearing the voice" of communities and individuals in planning service development. They will understand the range of skills necessary for successful information gathering and social research at a fundamental level. They will start the process of learning about working collaboratively, both within project teams and with others involved in service user and provider networks. They will begin to understand the importance of managing workload, the collation of data and its presentation in different forms for information purposes.
Content:
This will be achieved by teaching input on the context, purpose and value of community profiling as a responsive, user-focused and anti-discriminatory task, and the skills and knowledge base for effective practice. Students will then carry out small projects in collaborative groups, either within the University Community (e.g. exploring an issue in relation to disabled students), or for a local community organisation. Year One students will be allocated projects that will reflect the level of attainment expected of them. Close tutorial support will be available during the process of these projects, and there will be a day set aside when all teams will present their final reports. This unit shares teaching with a level 2 unit of the same title (SOCP0018).


SOCP0106: Sociology of social work - Year 1

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: ES100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0026

Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of the unit are to explore 1) how social work as a topic illuminates sociological theory 2) to use sociological frameworks to explore contemporary issues in the organisation and practice of social work. Objectives of the unit are to introduce students to a range of sociological perspectives which have value in analysing social work, and to develop the analytical skills to apply sociological understanding to substantive controversies in social work and the personal social services.
Content:

* relationships between sociological theory and social work
* the social construction of child abuse
* professionalisation and social work
* discourse and social work
* social models of disability
* power and social work
* gender and social work
* 'race' and social work
* technology, post-Fordism and social services This unit shares teaching with a level 2 unit of the same title (SOCP0026).


SOCP0107: Legislation for social work practice 2

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0029

This unit is for SWASS (4 year degree) students only Aims & learning objectives:
This unit complements the child care law module in the previous summer term. The aim is to help future practitioners to develop sufficient understanding of the legal framework and the law specific to social work to appreciate the implications for practice.
Content:
The course is taught by specialist practitioners and academics with practice experience to maintain the focus upon social work values and the tensions between them and legal constraints. The unit explains how the law may be used as an effective social work tool as well as how to work within its parameters. Students are directed towards sources rather than offered exhaustive accounts of the detailed law government each area. They are expected to supplement course materials with further reading and research. Specific topics include: social work practice in the Courts, - law and mental health, - law and disability, - law and race, - law and older people, - law and homelessness, - law and sex discrimination. This unit shares teaching with a unit of the same title which is assessed differently (SOCP0029). This unit is co-assessed with Legislation for Social work Practice 1 (SOCP0092).


SOCP0108: Community care

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0031

This unit is for SWASS (4 year degree) students only Aims & learning objectives:
To focus prior knowledge, skills and understanding of values into the broad area of Community Care; to develop this prior understanding to prepare students for practice in their preferred area for final placement; to understand the development of Community Care both as a range of concepts and as a way of organising and delivering social services to service users; to develop specific understanding of the role and practice of care managers in assessment for, delivery and development of services; to respond to the interests and learning needs of individual students in this broad subject area (eg in relation to service user groups or type of service provision); to provide a service user focus on the delivery of service.
Content:
Flexible to accommodate students' own learning aims but will include: the development of Community Care; service user involvement in both care management and service development; care management skills, including user empowerment; community work skills (assessment of community needs, service development, networking, collaboration with formal and informal community groups); multi-disciplinary work; diversity of Community Care provision (the "mixed economy of care"); informal carers; gender, culture and the concept of caring. This unit shares teaching with a unit of the same title which is assessed differently (SOCP0031). This unit is co-examined with Child care research and practice (SOCP0087) and Children & families (SOCP0109).


SOCP0109: Children & families

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 3

Assessment: EX100

Requisites: Ex SOCP0033

This unit is for SWASS (4 year degree) students only Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of the course are: to develop students' understanding of the interrelationships between the statutory and independent sectors and the importance of developing skills for working at the interface of these sectors; to enable students to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to work with children and families.
Content:
This course begins with a focus on the knowledge and skills required to undertaken networking, multi-disciplinary work and inter-agency work. It draws on students' placement experience. It then relates these to work with children and families, focusing on such topics as: child observation; life-cycles; parent child relationships; family support work; direct work with adults and with children; attachment and loss; children and mental health; children with special needs; child abuse; its impact and long-term effects; assessment of risk; treatment methods; planning work; contracts and written agreements; reviews and evaluations; children and young people looked after; theories of residential care; impact of the child care system. Adoption and fostering; the role of the Guardian ad Litem; working with families post-divorce/separation; working with stepfamilies; youth justice and young offenders. Throughout the sessions we ensure the voices of service users are heard; that is, the views of parents and of children and young people who have been in receipt of social work support and/or intervention in their lives. This unit shares teaching with a unit of the same title which is assessed differently (SOCP0033). This unit is co-examined with Child care research & practice (SOCP0087) and Community Care (SOCP0108).


SOCP0110: Core skills for social scientists: information technology methods

Semester 1

Credits: 3

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 1

Assessment: PR50 CW50

Requisites: Co SOCP0059, Co SOCP0060

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to basic computing skills needed to support methods modules in Years 1 and 2.
Content:
Through practical experience students will acquire basic skills in word-processing, spreadsheets, simple databases, file management, use of networked PCs and accessing remote sources (WWWeb); competence will be assessed through practicals and through successful use of skills in later methods modules.


XXXX0013: Approved unit

Semester 1

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment:

Requisites:

This pseudo-unit indicates that you are allowed to choose one unit from the University's Generally Available Catalogue, subject to the normal constraints such as staff availability, timetabling restrictions, and minimum and maximum group sizes. You should make sure that you indicate your actual choice of units when requested to do so. Details of the University's Catalogue can be seen on the University's Home Page.


XXXX0013: Approved unit

Semester 2

Credits: 6

Contact:

Topic:

Level: Level 2

Assessment:

Requisites:

This pseudo-unit indicates that you are allowed to choose one unit from the University's Generally Available Catalogue, subject to the normal constraints such as staff availability, timetabling restrictions, and minimum and maximum group sizes. You should make sure that you indicate your actual choice of units when requested to do so. Details of the University's Catalogue can be seen on the University's Home Page.



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