Course Catalogue

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This course introduces students to major influential ideas and diverse perspectives on welfare and public policy. Its aim is to facilitate students' ability to challenge assumptions about the aims of policy and the functions of welfare by examining diverse ideological and political agendas in an international context.

■ three lectures per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday 12 - 1)

■ a weekly tutorial (8 in total, timeslots scheduled on Mondays throughout the day, one hour)

For entry to this course, students must have achieved at least grade D3 in either Social and Public Policy1A/Public Policy 1A or Social and Public Policy1B/Public Policy 1B.

None

N/A

One 2000 word essay (65%)

An online written assignment of 750 words (25%)

Set exercise: Tutorial attendance demonstrating active participation (10%)

The aims of S&PP2A are to examine:
- the role of the State in the provision of welfare in the UK and beyond;
- the provision of welfare from different sources;
- various ideological perspectives on welfare and its provision;
- various international welfare regimes;
- competing functions and delivery of welfare provision in an international context.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ critically evaluate the role of the State in different welfare arrangements within and beyond the UK;

■ outline and critically appraise welfare pluralism and a mixed economy of welfare;

■ critically analyse conflicting perspectives on public policy in an international context;

■ compare and contrast competing ideas on the aims and functions of welfare provision.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Other requirements: regular attendance and minimum grade of G.