Course Catalogue

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In this course, the theoretical and ideological concepts of freedom, equality, and justice will be closely analysed in an exploration of intrinsic values relating to specific case studies and policy examples selected from a local and international context.

A weekly two hour Teaching session

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Entry to Honours Social & Public Policy normally requires a grade point average of 12 (grade C3) over Social & Public Policy 2A and 2B (formerly Public Policy 2A and 2B) as a first attempt.

None

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1. written assignment on policy: 60%

2. An oral assessment: 20%

3. Reflective Learning log: 20%

Students will be assigned groups to create an 'equal, just and free society', they will then each take an aspect of policy for their society and write a 1500-word report on it.

The students will then present their society as a group, with a log outlining their contributions. This will allow for students who may need adjustments to contribute.

Students will be required to write a reflective learning log (500words) outlining their:

1. Active participation throughout the course eg prepared for and contributed to small group work, whole class discussions and co-operative learning exercises, including online peer review

2. Reflections on how their active participation has affected their learning and development of graduate attributes

The aims of the course are to:

■ to introduce students to the theoretical concepts of freedom, equality and justice;

■ to explore ideological and philosophical perspectives on freedom, equality and justice;

■ to examine debates concerning the relationship between these concepts;

■ to consider the relevance of these concepts to social and public policy;

■ to provide opportunities for critical engagement with political and philosophical texts and case studies.

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

■ define and critically evaluate the theoretical and ideological concepts of freedom, justice and equality;

■ explain in depth different perspectives of these concepts as presented by key philosophical and political thinkers;

■ analyse how and to what extent these concepts conflict and are interdependent with each other;

■ assess how and to what extent these concepts are relevant to social and public policies;

■ critically evaluate the implications of these concepts using specific case studies and international policy examples;

■ Critically assess the development of their graduate attributes