Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2006/07

SP10001 Social Policy & the Welfare State

Credits: 6

Level: Certificate

Semester: 1

Assessment: CW 100%

Requisites:

Aims:
1. To introduce the key concepts of social policy.
2. To introduce the key works of major social policy writers.
3. To critically examine the main development in the evolution of the British welfare state.
Objectives: By the end of the course, students will have knowledge of:
i. Key themes and periods in the historical development of the British welfare state.
ii. The contribution of key thinkers and the analytical concept that they have developed.
iii. Key themes contemporary service sectors.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit the students should be able to:
* Critically evaluate and assess the contribution of key thinkers in the development of welfare theory.
* Communicate and discuss ideas in seminars.
* In association with other students give a brief presentation.
* Work independently to produce an essay developing argument.
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 plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing).
* Basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information).
* Inter-personal and communication skills.
* Essay research, preparation and writing skills.
* To construct a bibliography of varying complexity.
* Revision and Examination skills.
* Time-management and administrative skills.
* Presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contributions).
* Team and group working skills;
* To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development.
* To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands.
* To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills.
Content:
Lectures:
Concepts in social policy; Development of the British Welfare State (the poor Law; the Liberal Reforms; the classic Welfare State; Restructured Welfare State); Contemporary policy sectors (health care; housing; education; personal social service; income maintenance).
Seminars:
Richard Titmuss (the social division of welfare; universality and selectivity); William Beveridge (the mixed economy of welfare); Thomas Marshall (citizenship); Richard Tawney (the strategy of equality).

University | Catalogues for 2006/07