ESSAY 1: length 2500 words weighted at 50%, Learning Outcomes 1-3
E-PORTFOLIO: length 2500 words weighted at 50%, Learning Outcomes 4-7

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

This module introduces students to the Sociology of Social problems in contemporary Britain and to the policies that have been introduced by government in attempt to address the social problems. During Semester 1 it considers a range of current social problems in the UK and sociological perspectives upon the given issues. Issues may include topics such as poverty, teenage pregnancy rates, unemployment and the ways in which these relate to social policy. Students will consider a range of views upon each topic.

In semester 2 the module goes on to explore the nature and development of British social policy and examines sociological approaches to its study. The module covers common themes in social policy including state intervention, needs and resources, definitions of 'social problems' and the ethical debates to which these give rise. The module goes to examine the impact of social policy on people’s lives within the context of key policy areas such as social security and health. Students will also consider how policy has been implemented by the public and voluntary sector through examples of practice across the UK.

Library based resources
A lecture room with a computer and projector for a PowerPoint presentation and large enough for group work.
Computers with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Internet and Accessibility Software
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

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)

1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF SOME OF THE KEY THEMES AND DEBATES WHICH INFORM OUR UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING A DISTINCTION BETWEEN PERSONAL AND PUBLIC PROBLEMS AND THEIR IMPACTS
[Analysis]

2. CRITICALLY ASSESS CONTEMPORARY NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL PROBLEMS
[Analysis; Knowledge and Understanding; Learning]

3. DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO INVESTIGATE A RANGE OF SOCIETAL VIEWS, SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES AND THEORECTICAL UNDERSTANDINGS OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
[Analysis; Learning]

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

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

6. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE AN AWARENESS AND AN INVESTIGATIVE ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO OF SOME SOCIAL POLICY AREAS AND ASPECTS OF INEQUALITY IN CONTEMPORARY BRITAIN [Knowledge and Understanding]

7. COMMUNICATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOCIOLOGY OF POLICY AND PROBLEMS [Communication; Knowledge and Understanding]

This module combines formal lectures with group work sessions, blended and distance learning.

Across the 2 semesters students will experience a shift from traditional face to face teaching through blended learning and finally to fully distance learning in order to guide students into gradually taking control of their own learning and working co-operatively with others. Semester 1 will begin with a workshop approach combining mini­lectures, group discussions and activities. Learning materials will be placed on Blackboard to support students in exploring topics in more depth and signposting students to wider reading and information. Students will conduct group presentations within the workshops in preparation for group work in semester 2.

In Semester 2 a blended learning approach will be adopted in which lectures and other resources are made available on a weekly basis for students along with relevant readings and tasks. There will be face to face workshops in a computer lab setting where students will access on line activities and teaching material. Students will be required to work both individually and in small groups.

A tutor will be present to support students in developing their knowledge of policy and projects as well as their digital capabilities.