Alcock, P, May M & Wright S (2011) The Student's Companion to Social Policy. Wiley-Blackwell (see Dawsonera online books via the library)
Best J (2008) Social Problems. New York, W.W. Norton & Co
Blakemore K & Warwick-Booth L (2013) Social Policy: An Introduction. Open University Press (see Dawsonera online books via the library)
Bochel HM & Daly G (2014) Social Policy. 3rd Edition. Routledge Ltd (see Dawsonera online books via the library)
Dillon M (2013) Introduction to Sociological Theory. Wiley-Blackwell (see Dawsonera online books via the library)
Marcionis JJ (2009) Social Problems. 2nd edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Macionis JJ & Plummer K (2011) Sociology. Pearson Education (see Dawsonera online books via the library)

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 consider different ideas from policy and innovative practice in tackling social problems.

This module will be blended in delivery, although predominant delivery will be via VLE.
This module will be based on flexible learning materials delivered using the Blackboard virtual learning environment and selected readings.

The Blackboard environment will provide a context for:
- the provision of lectures or podcasts on topics with links to pages of interest and appropriate readings,
- problems and questions for discussion.
- Learners to undertake a range of structured activities which may involve, for example, literature searching, engagement with group discussions and commentaries.
- Tutors to seed discussions and provide one to one guidance and advice electronically.
- Learners to access guidance on online resources available via the web and the university's e-learning pages

There will be a face-to-face lecture that introduces the module to students and a further assessment lecture to support students with academic assessment skills.

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

E-PORTFOLIO 2,500 WORDS.

The assessment will comprise of a portfolio submitted via blackboard totalling 2,500 words. The portfolio will have a range of exercises that are completed over the duration of the module.
Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 3

1. UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH POLICY IS IMPLEMENTED WITHIN THE UK.
[Learning]

2. DEMONSTRATE AN AWARENESS OF SOME SOCIAL POLICY AREAS AND ASPECTS OF INEQUALITY IN CONTEMPORARY BRITAIN.
[Knowledge & Understanding]

3. COMMUNICATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF SOME OF PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE 'WELFARE STATE' [Knowledge & Understanding]