The assessment for this module will comprise the following;

An essay of 3,000 words which will assess all learning outcomes. Students will choose from a range of topics covered by the module.

This module will build upon the second level module Social Policy and Social Problems I. It considers some new topics and further develops the discussion and debates, started in the second level module, about the nature of social problems and of social policies devised to deal with those problems in advanced industrial societies. The new aspects of social life/social problems to be analysed and debated are :-

- Ethnic relations in the UK against a discussion of historical and contemporary patterns of migration. Some of the recent developments around asylum seekers and refugees are considered in this section. Methods for theorising relationships between groups is also discussed as well as some very particular problems experienced by ethnic groups located in an advanced industrial society.

- Crime and deviance - theoretical perspectives and how these impact upon different ways of intervening in the behaviours of offenders (pathological explanations, faulty socialisation, peer group, social structural theories). Consideration will be given to
the relationship between offending behaviour and social class, gender and ethnicity. Ways of supporting offenders and ex-offenders will also be considered.

- A critical analysis of the role of education within advanced industrial societies will provide the framework for this part of the module. Educational inequality especially in relation to social class, gender and ethnicity. Educational problems and contemporary policies for dealing with them. Can education compensate for society? Case studies - Surestart and children in the public care system.

- Health 'what is health' Health inequalities especially in relation to social class, ethnicity and gender. An analysis of the Black and Acheson reports. Mental health. Recent initiatives - teenage pregnancy; health action zones.

The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the `Course Information', `Course Documents' and `Assignments' sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE).

Independent Study (120) means on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities and within the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

This module will be delivered by the use of a VLE.

The VLE will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The `Course Information' section contains essential module information, the award handbook, the module descriptor and a section, which contains the aims and objectives of the module. The `Course Documents' section contains all the study material necessary to complete the module. Within the `Communication' section there are a number of forums, which will enable interactive, asynchronous discussion, which supports student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using email, telephone, the discussion forums and the bulletin board in the gateway and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support.

Where appropriate Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work for example by ensuring that activities, tasks and assignments are completed within specified time limits and that discussion with others takes place.

- A computer capable of accessing the internet

Baldock, J., Maning, N. & Vickerstaff, S. (eds) (2007), Social Policy, Oxford, Oxford University Press
Blakemere, K. (2003) An Introduction to Social Policy, Buckingham, Open Press University
Goldson, C. & Muncie, J. (eds) (2006) Youth Crime & Justice, London, Sage