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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


SP10002: Social problems & social policy

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: ES 60%, OT 40%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: SP10002 Coursework - Supplementary assessment only (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:

i. to introduce students to theoretical and empirical resources used in the analysis of social problems;
ii. to introduce students to an understanding of the framework, operation and financing of social policy;
iii. to apply these resources and this understanding to an analysis of the connections between social problems and social policies.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit students should be able to:
* seek out and use empirical evidence for analysing social problems and social policies;
* understand a range of theories and concepts used to analyse social problems and social policies;
* understand the distinction between normative and empirical questions;
* communicate and discuss ideas in writing and in discussion, including giving a brief presentation.

Skills:

* To think creatively and analytically.
* To communicate an argument.
* To evaluate others' arguments and research.
* To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying).
* To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information.
* To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding.
* Study & learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing).
* Basic ICT skills (word processing, email, using the web, use of VLEs).
* Interpersonal and communication skills.
* Essay research, preparation and writing skills.
* To construct a bibliography of varying complexity.
* Essay writing skills.
* Presentation skills.
* Team and group working skills.
* To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands.

Content:
Lectures
* the social construction of social problems (examples used may change, but could include poverty, social exclusion, disability, crime and anti-social behaviour, health inequalities, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, homelessness).
* social differences and social problems.
* theories of human need and wellbeing.
* social problems, power and the policy process (to include questions of funding, government, management, profession and administration).
Seminars
* Key themes of power, need and the role of the state.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

SP10002 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB15 : BSc (hons) Social Work and Applied Social Studies (Full-time) - Year 1

SP10002 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB14 : BSc (hons) Applied Social Studies (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

SP10002 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA (hons) French and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA (hons) German and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB16 : BA (hons) Italian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB14 : BA (hons) Italian and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB15 : BA (hons) Russian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA (hons) Spanish and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AAB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AFB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AKB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
Department of Psychology
  • UHPS-AKB03 : BSc (hons) Psychology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.