2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP5510M Social Policy Debates

15 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Dr Stella Oluwaseun
Email: S.C.Oluwaseun@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides an overview of current discussions surrounding the formulation, implementation, and political dimensions of social policy in both the United Kingdom and global contexts. It familiarizes students with key policy domains, fostering their capacity to interact with and question predominant perspectives within modern societies. Employing a problem-centred methodology, the module cultivates skills and critical analytical capabilities, prompting students to grapple with fundamental sociological challenges. By facilitating active engagement in real-world policy dialogues, the module contributes to students' intellectual growth and in doing so, supporting their future carers.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to engage critically with real-world social policy debates, use evidence and analyse policy scenarios and agendas. In cultivating an elevated comprehension of contemporary social policy challenges, students will adeptly employ theoretical and empirical perspectives to navigate the fluid landscape of policy debates within the social context, both domestically in the UK and on a global scale. Proficiently showcasing awareness, students will focus on pertinent subjects presently under scholarly or popular scrutiny in the realm of Social Policy. These selected topics may directly connect to students' current, intended, or recent professional experience or research in Social Policy fields. The students will proficiently elucidate the significance of research methodologies and evidence within the context of these identified topics.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Exhibit proficiency in substantive domains of social policy by showcasing a comprehensive grasp of social policy research.
2. Display advanced critical thinking skills, manifesting a nuanced comprehension of the ethically contested dimensions inherent in social policy debates.
3. Demonstrate adeptness in critically participating in social policy debates that address social problems of contemporary societal structures.
4. Employ evidence derived from social policy research to construct and articulate policy arguments.

Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Assess and weigh the costs and benefits associated with distinct social policy programs orally in seminars as well as in writing in the assessment.
2. Critically examine the repercussions of specific social policies on related policy domains.
3. Enhance proficiency in academic writing and the formulation of clear, coherant arguments.
4. Adopt a proactive and self-reflective approach in collaborative endeavours, fostering professional relationships with peers, staff, and other stakeholders.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	11	1.00	11.00
seminars	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			129.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminar discussions will offer students the opportunity to receive formative feedback regarding their essay topics. Attendance at seminars will be closely monitored.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	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: 25/06/2024

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