UNIT CATALOGUE

SOCP0001: Introduction to social policy & the welfare state 1
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
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:
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:
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 matters: sociological & social policy approaches to family & friendship in contempory society
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: ES50 EX50
Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives:
Aims: 1. to critically examine the nature and extent of changing patterns of formation and dissolution in modern societies, and the policy responses to these; 2. to explore the ways in which the nature, structure and functions of the family have been explained and interpreted in contempory sociological theory; 3. to place the study of the family in the wider context of the sociology of intimate relationships, in particular friendship. Objectives: By the end of the course , students will have: * studied key texts relating to various aspects of the family in modern society, from sociology, politics, economics and social policy; * examined the way in which government seeks to regulate family behaviour, comparing the UK with other countries; * exploring the way in which family (kin) relationships have been theorised to differ from other personal relationships; * assessed the implications of family change for gender roles. By the end of the course, students should be able to: * access a range of sources relating to family structure and family trends; * apply different theories and approaches to the study of family and friendship; * critically analyse the valuse and assumptions underlying state policy and the family
Content:
Definition of the family; family trends; the family in contemporary sociological and feminist theory; the politics of the family; the distribution of money and resources within the family; the regulation of sexual behaviour, marriage & divorce; lone parenthood; concepts of family policy and state support for families; family obligations in law and practice; 'families of choice' & post-divorce parenting; the sociology of friendship and social networks.

SOCP0005: Politics and the policy process
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
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:
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.

SOCP0007: Social policy research review & project
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an opportunity for students to develop their understanding of the application of qualitative and / or quantitative research methods through the design, implementation and reporting of a self-contained research project. Students will present their work (as ongoing) during the seminars arranged for this unit. To research and prepare a critical literature review on a specific topic. To learn and explore internet search facilities.
Content:
Specific research methods and quantitative techniques selected at the design stage and applied during the research project. Main focus of project may anticipate work placement or dissertation topic. Students will choose a specific research topic and conduct a literature review. The topic chosen could be linked to the students final year dissertation research project.

SOCP0008: Social policy dissertation 1
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
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:
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:
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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002

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:
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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002

Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims: 1. to compare different ways of meeting financial need, and in particular recent 'welfare reforms' in the UK, the USA and Australia 2. to critically examine the assumptions and values that structure social security provision Objectives: By the end of the course, students will have: * studied key texts relating to the goals and welfare reform in the UK, Australia and the USA (including government papers, Select Committee reports, independent reports) * analysed the role of political institutions and critical actors in the reform processes in these countries; * explored the methods and criteria for the evaluation of the outcomes of social security policy; * in respect of the UK, examined in detail whether and how the needs of different 'client' groups are met. By the end of the course, students should be able to: * identify and apply appropriate criteria for the analysis of policy goals and outcomes in respect of social security policy
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; tax credits.

SOCP0014: Advanced social policy analysis
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0005, Pre SOCP0006

Aims & Learning Objectives:
To equip the student in a variety of techniques for analysing social policy issues.
Content:
The emphasis is on a multi-method approach, including both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Approaches include secondary analysis of household survey data, examination of Government and other official documents and the use of techniques and concepts from other disciplines such as economics. In any given year the methods are illustrated with reference to two social policy issues.

SOCP0015: Introduction of social work
Semester 2
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
To provide students with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the personal social services, and implications of these for professional social work.
Content:
The unit provides an orientation to later social work units, through examination of the value base of social work, service user perspectives, and contemporary debates within the social services field.

SOCP0016: Communication skills
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
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 service 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:
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:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: ES80 RT20
Requisites:

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:
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:
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.

SOCP0021: Social work placement 1
Semester 1
Credits:
18
Contact:
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:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:

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. Implications for the Personal Social Services of the concept of the learning organisation.

SOCP0023: Child care research & practice
Semester 2
Credits:
3
Contact:
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.

SOCP0023: Child care research & practice
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
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:
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:
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. 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:
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:
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 2
Credits:
12
Contact:
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 1
Credits:
12
Contact:
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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
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.

SOCP0030: Developing professional competence 3: principles of practice
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
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(SWASS students only); 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.

SOCP0032: Mental health
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
This unit is for SWASS students only
Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims: * To prepare students for mental health social work practice in a rapidly changing inter-professional and organisational context * To critically examine the role of mental health social work in specialist and non-specialist settings Objectives: By the end of the unit students will be able to: * Identify the main dimensions of the social model of mental disorder * Locate social work within the organisational context of mental health services (statutory and voluntary) * Consider the relevance to practice of alternative models of mental health social work assessment, including risk assessment * Understand the relevance of care management and the care planning approach to mental health social work * Draw on an evidence-base for intervention in relation to mental health problems for children and young people * Draw on an evidence-base for intervention in relation to mental health problems for adults and older people * Understand the social work role in relation to mental health legislation * Identify the implications of anti-discriminatory practice for mental health social work
Content:
Social and medical models of mental health and disorder; the organisational context of mental health social work practice; the role of social work in multidisciplinary services; models of mental health social work assessment, including risk assessment; care management and the care planning approach; social work intervention with children and young people experiencing mental health problems; social work intervention with adults and older people with mental health problems; statutory contexts of mental health social work.

SOCP0033: Children & families
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
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.

SOCP0034: Working with offenders
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
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 agencies 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:
12
Contact:
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.

SOCP0037: Ideologies
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
Students should develop an understanding of the origins, development and content of the main modern political ideologies, and of the debates relating to the nature of ideology itself.
Content:
The course covers socialism, conservatism, liberalism, anarchism, fascism, feminism, ecologism, nationalism and fundamentalism.

SOCP0043: The sociology of industrial societies
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
1. To introduce students to the distinctive sociological perspective as this relates to industrial societies. 2. To establish the basic social differences between industrial and pre-industrial societies. 3. To provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts of classical sociology in relation to the problems of industrialism 4. To help students to identify the significance of key concepts in the works of Marx, Weber and Durkheim to societies that have industrialised.
Content:
Students taking this unit should acquire knowledge for: 1. Applying a sociological perspective to different types of society. 2. Comparing classical sociology with more recent approaches. 3. Assessing apparent changes away from industrialism in contemporary societies. 4. Using classical concepts for contemporary analysis.

SOCP0044: The sociology of inequalities
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043

Aims & Learning Objectives:
This unit will: 1. Provide students with a basic understanding of the changing nature of modern society. 2. Provide students with a basic understanding of the different ways that sociologists have sought to make sense of the changes evident in modern society. 3. Provide evidence of and theories explaining the key aspects of 'difference' and 'inequalities' within modern British society. 4. Encourage students to think critically about the key issues that arise from such evidence and theories. 5. Provide an introduction to understanding the main modes of social regulation and control within modern societies. By the end of this unit, students will be better equipped to: 1. Distinguish between the key ways in which sociologists characterise modern societies. 2. Identify dominant forms of inequalities within modern British society. 3. Reflect critically upon explanations for inequalities and difference. 4. Recognise and critically reflect upon different forms of social regulation and control.
Content:
To answer the following questions: 1. Do industrial societies display common trends, even superseding industrialism? 2. 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:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0043

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:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0043

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:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0043

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:
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.

SOCP0052: Theoretical issues in sociology
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044

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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0043

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:
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:
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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: DS100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0057

Aims & Learning Objectives:
See Sociology dissertation I (SOCP0057).

SOCP0059: Core skills for social scientists: social research methods
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Co SOCP0060,
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:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Co SOCP0059

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:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0060,
Co SOCP0085

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:
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.

SOCP0064: Applied social studies dissertation 1
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
To design and conduct a research project on an approved social studies topic. To gain experience of undertaking primary research in social studies. 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.

SOCP0065: Applied social studies dissertation 2
Semester 2
Credits:
12
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: DS100
Requisites:

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

SOCP0066: The human factor
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce engineering students to the role of the human factor in industry, in particular to impart an awareness of classic theories of motivation, social control and communication in relation to work organisation in design and manufacturing processes.
Content:
Concepts and evidence of the changing role of motivation, skills, organisational control and technology, the nature and significance of groupwork.

SOCP0067: Placement
Academic Year
Credits:
60
Contact:
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: The philosophy of the social sciences
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: PR100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044

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:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0069, Pre SOCP0049
or SOCP0050
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: Corporate power & the social challenge
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044

Aims and Learning Objectives:
1. To identify important changes in the boundaries and interactions between business and society. 2. To relate these changes to the evolution and impact of socio-political attempts at greater social accountability. 3. To identify key social foundations on which business activity depends. Students taking this unit should gain an understanding of: 1. The main types of social challenge to business autonomy. 2. Current debates about business accountability. 3. Key examples of the inter-dependence of business and social institutions.
Content:
Changes in social and political challenges to capatalist 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.

SOCP0074: Comparative research methods 1
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives:
By the end of the unit, students are expected to: * distinguish between different methodological approaches and instruments for comparative research; * access the documentation and data sources relevant for social policy analysis on the national, international, and particularly on the EU level.
Content:
This unit deals with the rationale for comparative social policy research, the data sources available and problems of comparability.

SOCP0075: Comparative social policy
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
By the end of the module students will be expected to know: * how economic, social and cultural factors which affect social policy historically and at the present time vary from one country to another and how these conditions can be described, measured and compared; * what the dynamics of social policy development are, and how they vary from one country to another with different roles being played by different actors and different emphases on causative factors; * how social policy objectives and social policy outcomes can be defined and described, and, again, how they vary between policy areas, programmes and countries; * to what extent the social policy systems, or models of "welfare state", that exist in different countries have developed along similar or different historical pathways and the value of different theories of their development over time and of categorisations of their differences.
Content:
Why study comparative social policy? Paradigms of comparative public policy: institutionalism, public choice, etc Theories of social policy development: industrialisation, power resources, state theories, regime theories Case studies of social policy development in selected nations Cross-national comparisons of selected social policies Comparative studies of retrenchment Policy convergence and policy learning Multi-tiered systems of governance and national public policy.

SOCP0076: European integration & social policy decision making
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
* to identify the actors and institutions invloved in the making of EU policy; * to interpret the behaviour of these actors in policy formulation, adoption and implementation, on the basis of theoretical contributions made by inter-govermentalists, neo-institutionalists and neo-functionlists. * to apply these perspectives in particular to EU social and labour market policy.
Content:
The development of the European Union - background. The institutions and policy processes of the EU. Theories of internationalisation and globalisation. Theories of supra-national organisations and regional integration. Perspectives on European integration. The social dimension of the EU and social policy making. Supra-national constraints on domestic policy-making environment. Subsidiarity and social policy. The future of the European social model.

SOCP0077: Research methods
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
Students will be introduced to the basic elements of research design and methodologies in the humanities and social sciences. By the end of the unit they will be aware of the major methodological and paradigmatic choices which face them in their research as postgraduate students
Content:
1. Philosophy of Social and Culture Research * Positivistic tradition; Humanistic/interpretive traditions; Paradigms of enquiry 2. Introduction to Research Design * Identification of the research problem; Elaboration of the research questions * Definitions of they key variables; The use of primary and secondary data 3. Quantitative Research * Observation, experiment, survey; Definition of the population and the unit of observation * Sampling procedures; Data analysis 4. Qualitative Research * Semi-structured and in-depth interviews; Case studies; Participant observation * Action research 5. Discourse and content analysis 6. Ethical issues in social and cultural research

SOCP0078: Social policy dissertation workshop
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
Students will learn how to define a research plan for their dissertations and will produce a first working paper.
Content:
Indentifying a research topic and making use of available resourses. Group based development of dissertation topics. Production and presentation of dissertation synopsis.

SOCP0079: European social regulation & employment
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
To explain the theory and processes of social regulation in the European Union with particular reference to employment, so that students gain an understanding of the philosophies and culture of EU social regulation.
Content:
Social partnership, participation, dialogue; in relation to key policies such as working-time, equal opportunities, working conditions, training, and employment promotion; and processes of 'Europeanisation' and convergence in employment systems.

SOCP0080: Globalisation & international standards
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives:
Students will learn: * to undertake collaborative transatlantic research * to work as a team under the supervision of a member of staff * to produce and present research outputs as members of a team
Content:
The module involves an apprenticeship in collaborative research in comparative/supranational social policy, and providing appropriate contextual teaching.

SOCP0081: Comparative research methods 2
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Ex SOCP0101

Aims & learning objectives:
By the end of the module, the students are expected: * to be aware of the major international data sources for comparative social pilicy research; * to be critically aware of some of the major established studies and the alternative methodologies for comparative research which they offer; * to select an appropriate methodology for analysing their chosen problem and data; * to carry out this analysis and to write a report.
Content:
The unit deals with the qualitative and especially the quantitative methodologies that can be used for data analysis in comparative social policy research. It provides students with the relevant techniques, it enables them to apply these techniques to empirical data and it reviews the use of these techniques in major established studies.

SOCP0082: Moral philosophy
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES50
Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives:
To enable students to participate in current philosophical dbates around the following questions: What is morality and what are the bases of moral thought and practice? Are these moral truths? Is it possible to know what is right and wrong? To enable students to apply their understanding of the nature of morality to specific moral problems.
Content:
Introducing moral philosophy Moral truth or preference Prescriptivism and the moral philosophy or Thomas Hobbes Existentialist ethics The moral philosophy of David Hume Utilitarianism Dentological ethics Religious ethics Applied moral theory 1: Abortion Applied moral theory 2: Euthenasia Revision

SOCP0083: Political philosophy
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:

Aims and Learning Objectives:
To enable students to participate in current philosophical debates around the following questions: What is justice? What is liberty? Is there a right form of social life? Is there a duty to obey the law? Can punishment be justified?
Contents:
Hume and Rousseau Rawls Nozick Marx The problem of political obligation Feminism and justice The concept of liberty The harm principle Pornography Theories of punishment Revision

SOCP0084: The politics of the welfare state
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
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: Social Research: sources, presentation and communication
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW20 RT80
Requisites:
Co SOCP0061

Aims and Learning Objectives:
Aims: 1. To introduce students to the range of official and other descriptive statistics produced in the UK (and EU), and the advantages and disadvantages of these as tools for social research. 2. To introduce students to skills in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of material from secondary sources. 3. To prepare students to make use of such material in other courses, placements and in the final year dissertation. Objectives: By the end of this course, students will have: * critically assessed the main sources of official statistics * applied research skills to analyse secondary data relevant to a specific research problem * presented the research and its findings in the format of a group presentation * completed a report based on re-analysis of descriptive statistical data By the end of this course, students should be able to : * identify a research problem and question * identify and use existing data sources appropriately to the research question * make effective presentations of complex information using appropriate visual materials * work in a team * write clear reports in an appropriate format
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; Report writing, literature reviews and bibliographic sources. Use of PowerPoint.

SOCP0086: Social work placement 2 (4 year prog)
Semester 2
Credits:
30
Contact:
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:
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).

SOCP0088: Theories & methods in social work (4 year prog)
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
This unit is for SWASS students only
Aims & Learning Objectives:
This course aims to set social work methods within their theoretical contexts and to clarify the links between theory and 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. 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.

SOCP0089: Discrimination & empowerment in social work (4 year prog)
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
This unit is for SWASS 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; learning about HIV, AIDS and the implications for social work.

SOCP0090: BSc Social Sciences Placement
Academic Year
Credits:
60
Contact:
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

SOCP0091: Organisation of personal social services (4 year prog)
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, SOCP0002 for non-SWASS students
Aims & Learning Objectives:
To enable students to build upon direct or indirect knowledge of Personal Social Services organisations to understand the connections between policy, organisation, practice and service delivery. What effect does organisation have on the development of social work practice in particular although other roles within the Personal Social Services will also be explored - e.g. the role of management.
Content:
Values in the personal Social Services. Supervision: contrasting and comparing styles experienced in practice. Functions of supervision and the effect on 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 - open recording and access to records in the Law. Teams in the PSS - what is their purpose and value? Meetings: issues and problems in conducting and participating in meetings. Their purpose and value in social welfare. Understanding the agency as an organisation. What are aims and objectives? How do competing aims resolve themselves? A critical view of the role and function of management in the PSS.

SOCP0092: Legislation for social work practice 1 (4 year prog)
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
This unit is for SWASS (4 year degree) students only
Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of the unit is to cover the key areas of child care legislation relevant to a local authority social worker. It is based on the belief that all students must have a basic comprehension of the principles and key facts in child care law if they are to be able to help safeguard children and promote their welfare.
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. This unit is co-examined with Legislation for Social Work Practice 2 (SOCP0107).

SOCP0093: Sociology of social work (4 year prog)
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Requisites: pre SOCP0001, SOCP0002 for non-SWASS students
Aims & Learning Objectives:
To place social work in context, to explore range of relations between sociology and social work. Students to make connections with prior sociology learning, to apply sociological analysis and to be able to analyse the role of sociology in social work. For students to develop critical analysis of social work and own practice.
Content:
The course focuses upon the knowledge base of social work, sociological approaches to child abuse, social work as a profession, social work language and discourse analysis, sociology and disability, power and social work, social work and social control, social work and the media.

SOCP0094: Introduction to survey methods & analysis using SPSS (1)
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
This is an introductory unit for postgraduate students with little training in quantitative methods or in need of revision. By the end of the unit the student should be able to: * Design a project based on a quantitative survey * Design a short questionnaire and carry out interviews * Debate the appropriateness of different fieldwork methods * Access SPSS, input, label and edit data * Generate basic descriptive statistics using SPSS * Record and compute new variables * Transfer graphs from SPSS to Word
Content:
The unit will cover issued of survey design, sampling, questionnaire design, fieldwork methods, data collection, validity and reliability. Students will also be introduced to SPSS for Windows.

SOCP0097: Sociology of health and illness
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: ES50 EX50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044

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.

SOCP0098: Disability and society
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044, Pre SOCP0043

Aims & Learning Objectives:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the social model of disability and explore the concepts of difference, discrimination, exclusion and citizenship. By the end of the course the students should: 1) Be able to compare and contrast the social and medical models of disability 2) Have a critical understanding of the concepts of difference and discrimination 3) Be able to apply their knowledge of disability to debates around social exclusion and citizenship.
Content:
The course will cover: historical and cultural perspectives on disability; medical and social models of disability; the profile of disabled people in Britain; the concept of 'difference'; a critique of 'caring' and 'charity'; the extent and nature of discrimination; employment, unemployment and 'inactivity'; poverty and the extra costs of disability; exclusion, marginalisation and citizenship.

SOCP0099: Childhood: sociological perspectives & policy issues
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
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).

SOCP0101: Introduction to survey methods & analysis using SPSS (2)
Semester 2
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Ex SOCP0081

Aims & Learning Objectives:
An intermediate unit on statistical analysis for postgraduate students which takes them beyond the level of competence achieved in Introduction to Survey Methods and Analysis using SPSS 1. By the end of the unit the students should be able to: * Distinguish between different levels of data * Distinguish between descriptive and inferential statistics * Describe the stages of hypothesis testing * Select an appropriate statistical test * Interpret cross-tabulations * Interpret the results from chi square tests, t-tests and ANOVAs * Identify the key components of correlation and simple linear regression
Content:
The unit will cover issues of basic statistical analysis of survey data. Students will have instruction in both a classroom and a computer lab to introduce them to descriptive and inferential statistics. They will use SPSS for Windows to analyse survey data.

SOCP0102: Applied social studies dissertation preparation
Semester 1
Credits:
6
Contact:
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:
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.

SOCP0104: Employee participation
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
This unit looks at the issue of employee involvement from both a UK and European perspective. Employee involvement has not left the political agenda in Europe and this has sustained political, academic and managerial interest in it. Inside enterprises there has been a similar consistency of interest in the concept although the format might change from period to period. HRM has elevated issues of employee commitment, enterprise identity and corporate culture.
Content:
Lecture will: illustrate the different themes and objectives within the participatory project ; provide a descriptive account of the main thinkers and their ideas on the area ; show how the various themes recur at different chronological points ; discuss the different models of participation in the UK and Europe ; by the use of case studies of contemporary practice illustrate the multi-faceted and diverse practice of participation today.

SOCP0105: Community profiling: research in action - Year 1
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES80 RT20
Requisites:

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:
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).

SOCP0110: Core skills for social scientists: information technology methods
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: PR50 CW50
Requisites:
Co SOCP0059

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.

SOCP0111: European social policy analysis & evaluation
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW50 EX50
Requisites:

Aims & learning objectives:
Students will: * be familiarised with the literature on policy analysis and evaluation; * develop skills in these areas which they can apply to practical policies and programmes, notably those operating in a European context.

SOCP0112: Theoretical issues I: structure & agency
Semester 2
Credits:
6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: ES50 EX50
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims 1. Provide students with a good grounding in the key current debates in social theory about structure and agency. 2. To draw out the distinguishing features of the role of structure and agency in contemporary society. 3. Encourage students to reflect critically on the key issues and the interrelationships within the two main approaches. 4. Give students an understanding of how these themes emerge from classical sociology. Objectives: As a result of this unit students will be better able to: 1. Distinguish the key approaches that inform the structure/agency debates in recent sociology. 2. Identify how structure and agency inform methodological debates in current sociology 3. Recognise the pitfalls and possibilities of using either approach to situate their own analysis. 4. In the construction of their own research procedures, be aware of the possibilities that structure and agency approaches offer.
Content:
The course will consider: * Structural functionalism * Dramaturgical Model * Symbolic interactionism * Social constructivism * Structuration theory * Reflexive sociology * Critical social theory

SOCP0113: Business & community dissertation planning I
Semester 1
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
To provide an understanding of the methods of preparing, organising and writing up a dissertation for a Masters programme, so that students learn the ground rules for setting about a research dissertation.
Content:
Students will review relevant literature, define hypotheses and outline a programme and methods of investigation for a selected topic.

SOCP0114: Business & community dissertation planning II
Semester 2
Credits:
3
Contact:
Level: Postgraduate
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
To provide an understanding of the methods of preparing, organising and writing up a dissertation for a Masters programme, so that students learn the ground rules for setting about a research dissertation.
Content:
Students will review relevant literature, define hypotheses and outline a programme and methods of investigation for a selected topic.