Contemporary Developments in Welfare Policy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI3015 | Sociology and Social Policy | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- SOCI3015
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module will explore the contemporary developments and debates in the provision and delivery of welfare services. The module will examine theories of welfare, the funding of the welfare state and key changes in welfare policies, such as the increasing focus on markets and consumer choice, partnerships, the personalisation of service delivery, and the increasing role of the not-for-profit sector in service delivery.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and Level 4 UG students and PGT students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1,000 words.
- 60% Coursework 2: 3,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To equip students with the theoretical and conceptual knowledge and the practical skills to analyse and critically evaluate contemporary welfare policies and practices. The module will provide students with opportunities to examine (ongoing) debates on welfare reform.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Demonstrate an awareness of a number of welfare institutions, policies and services, including (but not limited to) the health service, social care and social security.
- Possess an understanding of contemporary debates about the production and consumption of welfare services that occupy considerable attention within politics, the media, ‘think-tanks’ and academia. These will include, but not necessarily be limited to the role of choice in service provision, user involvement, role of partnership working, and privatisation and contracting-out of services .
- Demonstrate an ability to critically assess different perspectives and evidence, and construct coherent arguments based on reasoned analysis.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant theoretical approaches on issues such as health improvement, personalisation, social risks and social insurance, etc.
- Undertake and present work in a scholarly way.
Transferable/Key Skills
- Enhance written and verbal communication skills.
- Develop an ability to communicate complex knowledge to diverse audiences using visual, graphic and written tools.
- Develop an ability to read, critically assess and represent sophisticated written evidence and argument.
- Demonstrate an ability to manage time and workloads.
- Further develop independent research and study skills.