This module provides an introduction to social welfare and current policy debates in the UK. It examines key theories and concepts in social policy, and also examines policy and its implementation in selected areas.

1. Current debates in social policy
2. Theoretical perspectives/modes of welfare
3. Poverty, inequality and social exclusion
4. Community regeneration
5. Family policy
6. New Labour and New Public management
7. Best value
8. Housing and homelessness

Whole group sessions (6 x 4 hrs = 24 hrs) series of lectures will disseminate knowledge and understanding as preparation for debates, discussion and the written assignment. A series of seminars will provide opportunities to relate knowledge and understanding gained in the lectures to specific areas.

Directed study and independent learning including preparation for seminars and for the assignment through guided reading, library research, internet and current news media coverage of social policy and social work issues. Work placement observation, make entries in their professional development portfolio and use professional practice personnel appropriately as a resource for learning.
. (126hrs)
Practice based learning

This will involve the observation and interaction with professionals and service users, interviews,, reflective practice and applying learning to own practice.

You will need access to one of the following texts:

Blakemore, Ken (2003) Social Plicy: An Introduction, Open University Press, Buckingham
Alcock (2003) Social Policy in Britain
Hill (1997) Understanding Social Policy
Williams (1989) Critical Social Policy
Web sites:
www.guardian.co.uk
www.doh.gov.uk
www.jrf.org.uk
www.socialexclusiomnunit.gov.uk

Module handbook
Access to appropriate texts and journals
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist online databases

A written assignment of 2500 words ? 100%

This will assess Learning Outcomes 1-3

This module is open only to students enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Social Care