This module continues to explore the relationship between social science, social problems and social policy in contemporary society. The module also continues to demonstrate, through case studies, how to apply theories of social problem (and social policy) construction to social issues and examine the role of social science research in exploring and promoting solutions to these social problems.
Students are supported and encouraged to reflect on module learning to consider: • How to learn from multiple case studies about the analysis of how social problems are claimed for, considered and responded to • That social scientists are one set of actors within a wider landscape of stakeholders seeking to influence policy and practice • How to apply and contrast different approaches to social problems and social policy to both assess a specific social issue and how it is responded to • How the module has enhanced their own learning of social sciences and social problems as a foundation for studies in years 2 and 3.
Skills development will be focused on individual presentation design and delivery skills, supported within seminar activity. Recorded presentations will be submitted for assessment.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Recognise the significance of analysing problems in societies in individual and structural terms;
Outline the historical development of specific social problems;
Understand that social sciences have developed in relation to political and public concerns with specific ‘social problems’;
Debate the contested nature of social policy (as a practice, and as a discipline);
Appraise the social science and political rationales for social policy responses to social issues;
Reflect on theories of social problem and social policy construction in terms of their learning and how to apply module content to wider programme of study.
Assessment
33999-03 : 1000 word blog : Coursework (20%)
33999-05 : Individual Presentation : Presentation (80%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: Social Problems I (33998) and Social Problems II (33999) are assessed together.1000 word blog post (20%) (Semester 1);individual recorded presentation (4 minutes +/- 30 seconds minutes), 80% (Semester 2) Reassessment: 1000 word blog post (20%); 4 minute (+/- 30 seconds) recorded presentation (80%)
Other
The students will be able to receive feedback on their work in the seminars
