2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP5117M Issues in Social Policy Analysis and Research

30 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Albert Varela
Email: a.varela@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Module replaces

Issues in Social Policy Analysis SLSP5112

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to relate policy analysis, research and evidence to current issues in Social Policy, and to understand the implications of differing analytical starting points for research and investigation in specific policy fields.

They will have shown an awareness of selected key topics that are currently predominant in scholarly or popular discussion in Social Policy, or that relate to students' present, planned or recent work experience or research in Social Policy fields, and will be able to explain the relevance of research approaches and evidence for these topics.

Students will have demonstrated their ability to plan and present a sustained analysis of a selected topic through written communication.

Students will have had the opportunity to further develop their skills in spoken communication.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will:
have demonstrated the ability to explain and evaluate, in written communication, selected approaches deployed in analysing and investigating areas of Social Policy, and the availability, use and limitations of data and indicators as evidence have demonstrated their ability to plan and present a sustained analysis of a selected topic through written communication.

have had the opportunity to further develop their skills in spoken communication

Syllabus

Taking recent developments in welfare arrangements and social policy institutions as the context, this module explores the intellectual paths and means available for analysing and investigating policies and practices, and reviews some key foci for researchers.

It introduces students to a range of analytical starting points and theoretical perspectives, particularly as exemplified in Social Policy literature, and considers views about causation and the kids of enquiries which have arisen linked to particular positions, values and settings.

This general overview provides a foundation from which students move on to consider specific Social Policy research topics, looking in more detail at the applicability of approaches to analysis and research, and reviewing the evidence base, available indicators, and problems with findings or 'proof'.

The specific topics are chosen for their salience to an understanding of key conceptual issues and research prospects in contemporary contexts, but development of individual assignments also takes account of particular student profiles and academic needs.
The module content will be influenced by policy developments over time and may include:

- Making public policy ‘social’: aims and purpose
- Welfare states: development and diversity
- Policy in the making: analysing process
- Evidence and measurement: rhetorics and realities
- Transnational policy: between local and global
- Child and Family policy
- Youth Transitions: risks and opportunities
- Work and Welfare: bridging the divide
- Health Systems: between public and private
- Policy for an ageing society

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	3.00	33.00
Private study hours			267.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

- Preparation for assessment 128 hours
- Reading and preparation for seminars: 139 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored by participation in activities in seminars.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 6,000 word (max) essay	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/09/2016

Disclaimer

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