This module will cover a range of contemporary social policy issues relating to poverty and hardship from local to global elements. The module will explore the political and academic discourse of social policy, political ideology, and practise. The module content is dynamic and fast moving but will typically include topics that impact on a range of issues related to poverty and hardship, for example:
The theory of poverty
Historical context of poverty
Social Policy
Political ideologies
Policy related to poverty at local and national level
Poverty on a global scale
Social effects of poverty
Health effects of poverty
Future aspects of poverty

This essay tests LO’s 1-3 and will involve students taking an overview of political and social policy issues, they will be showing an understanding of what social policy is and what the key areas are that it covers. Students will be showing that they understand how policy forms the basis of how different countries act in relation to issues about poverty and hardship

The VLE Blackboard will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module. There is a mix of directed and independent study and a blended learning approach is adopted.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (44 hours)
Typically, these sessions will include the following:
Seminars introducing ideas and delivering facts to a group of students
Pre-session activity and preparation
In-session interactive exercises and activities, making use of a range of media and technologies
Tutorials - virtual and face-to-face formative discussions in a one-to-one tutor /student contact session
Module and assessment support

Guided Independent Study:
(156 hours) 72 hours - Wider reading and research
50 hours - Completion of formative and summative assessment tasks

This will consist of a combination of reading material, preparation and completion of tasks, [including self assessment tasks], and contributions to discussion forums by means of the VLE. Reading key texts and researching via the appropriate databases and academic journals. Assessment preparation and completion.

Formative Assessment - Tutor feedback will be provided in class from the tutor and peer discussion and also via the online seminar discussion forums in response to tasks and exercises.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of social policy as an academic discipline and
the political response to poverty, need and welfare
1 Knowledge and Understanding

2. Critically analyse the major contextual factors which influence politics and social policy
development and operation in tackling poverty
4 Analysis
3 Enquiry

3. Critically evaluate the nature of contemporary poverty, social need and problems
locally, nationally and globally
4 Analysis
3 Enquiry
6 Communication

IT access for Blackboard
Library resources

Alcock, P (2014) Social Policy in Britain [Fourth Edition], Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan
Caramani, D. ed., 2017. Comparative politics. Oxford University Press.
Knight, B (2017) Rethinking poverty: What makes a good society? Bristol, Policy Press.
Hulme, D (2010) Global poverty: How global governance is failing the poor. London, Routledge

In this module you learn about the contemporary social policy issues currently evident from a local, regional, national and global perspective. You will explore the academic discourse of social policy in addition to learning more about political ideologies and these can affect policy making and practice. You will explore a range of issues relating to poverty and hardship and while content will remain dynamic to ensure the module retains relevance, you will explore the historic context of poverty and policymaking in relation to it, the social and health effects of poverty and consider any foreseeable future aspects of poverty and hardship.