Course Catalogue

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This course will build on prior HSP courses, offering more theoretical and critical depth. It will specifically examine a range of broad movements, social theories and specific policy areas that are particularly significant to the contemporary policy context.

The course will be delivered in a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work (1 hour + 2 hours) over 11 weeks.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

At least D pass in L2 courses: Health & Social, Policy & Practice

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

Assessment

1 x essay on one aspect of the theory bases of the course as related to a particular context [30%];

A case study based on a policy analysis of a specific contemporary health and/or social issue [30%]

90 minute exam [40%].

1. To develop a broad awareness of the core values that inform the contemporary health and policy context;

2. To explore the contextual political and socio-economic features that inform aspects of contemporary health and policy;

3. To specifically consider theoretical concepts such as: citizenship', 'wellbeing', 'social capital', 'austerity', embodiment, risk and 'nudge theory' and how they shape contemporary health and social policy processes;

4. To explore the expression of these principles within a range of substantive policy areas;

5. To relate these influences to a range of substantive case studies and significant analytical dimensions [for example, lifecycle and social groups (older people, minority ethnic groups), and gender].

By the end of this course students will be able:

1. To identify the core values that inform the contemporary health and policy context;

2. To articulate the contextual political and socio-economic features that inform aspects of contemporary health and policy;

3. To demonstrate an in-depth understanding of theoretical concepts such as: 'citizenship', 'wellbeing', 'social capital', 'austerity', embodiment, risk and nudge theory and how they shape contemporary health and social policy processes;

4. To critically apply contextual values and features to a range of substantive policy areas;

5. To critically relate these contextual influences to a series of substantive case studies and significant analytical dimensions [for example, lifecycle and social groups (older people, minority ethnic groups), and gender].

Students must submit 75% of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. There would be a formal requirement of this course for students to attend at least 80% of all classes to qualify for credit.