This module introduces you to social policy in contemporary Britain. We will consider the nature and development of British social policy and examine sociological approaches to its study. We will explore common themes in social policy including state intervention, needs and resources, definitions of `social problems' and the relationship between social policy and social control We will go on to examine issues of gender, class, `race', age, disability and sexuality within the context of key social policy areas such as social security and health.

20 hours will be taken up with class contact with another 4 hours available for introductory sessions, assignment tutorials and individual tutorials. 126 hours will be guided independent learning. Whole group contact will consist of lectures. Part group contact will consist of sessions exploring key issues prepared for by students in advance and in preparation for assessment. Independent learning will involve preparing for part group sessions, following up of issues via learning resources and preparation for assessment.
Seminar work will be structured around worksheets and discussion groups. There will be an introductory session and an assignment tutorial to prepare students for assessment and familiarise them with study skills and academic conventions in the presentation of assignments. Individual tutorial support will also be available for students.

Library
PCs with standard suite of University software with access to email, Internet, word processing.
Rooms with disabled access suitable for group work

M Lavalette and A Pratt (eds) (2nd ed) (2001) Social Policy: A Conceptual and Theoretical Introduction
K Blakemore (2nd ed) (2003) Social Policy: An Introduction
J Baldock et al (eds) (2nd ed) (2003) Social Policy