In this module students will consider key concepts, theories and philosophies of welfare, including human needs, human well-being, and social welfare. Theories of the state, political ideologies, economic models and contemporary narratives on poverty will be explored, as too will contemporary social problems and social policy responses to them. Finally, how key drivers such as globalisation, economic and demographic change affect social policy making and the nature of the policy process will be explored, with key examples offered and analysed. 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

Students will choose one of the following:

a written report analysing a contemporary social policy issue; OR

a consultation response to a contemporary social policy issue

Each assessment will test all learning outcomes. The assessment will mirror tasks typically undertaken in a senior role within the anti-poverty field and will enable students to secure new, sector-specific skills and build on those already held.

The VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) 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 throughout. Teaching and learning hours are broken down as follows:


Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (40 hours)

Typically, these will include:

Online lectures or seminars introducing ideas and delivering facts to a group of students

Pre or post--session activity and preparation

Online interactive exercises, activities and discussions

Tutorials - virtual or face-to-face formative discussions in a one-to-one tutor /student contact session

Module and assessment support



Guided Independent Study: (160 hours)
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. As a minimum expectation, the following activities are typical:

Wider reading and research-based activity

Completion of online formative tasks (eg: discussions, case studies, interactive quiz)

Completion of summative assessment tasks

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a relevant area of social policy, which is at the forefront of the field of anti-poverty or an area of relevant professional practice

Knowledge and Understanding


2. Demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of current research, scholarship and contemporary problems and/or offer new insights into the chosen topic area

Analysis



3. Demonstrates the ability to clearly community ideas in written form, in a format relevant to the target audience.

Communication

IT access for Blackboard
Library resources

Alcock, P (2014) Social Policy in Britain [Fourth Edition], Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan

Caramani, D. (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 will learn about different theories and philosophies of welfare and consider human wellbeing and social welfare in relation to the UK context. You will consider political and social narratives surrounding poverty and how these may inform social policy development to address the causes and drivers of poverty and analyse whether these narratives help or hinder policy development more broadly. As we live in a globalised world, you will also examine globalisation, economic and demographic change may also affect social policy making before considering how these changes might be considered both a cause and cure for poverty.