| CODE | SWP2141 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Social Policy Workshops 1 | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Social Policy and Social Work | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit builds upon SWP1352 (Introducing social policy). The goals of social policy, and the policy process, are discussed in detail. This is followed by a series of lectures and discussions dealing with the various (a) domains of social policy, particularly education, employment, health, housing, social security and social care; and (b) key groups such as migrants, vulnerable families and others that students identify to be of interest to them. During each lecture, key concepts, trends and challenges relevant to the domain are presented and discussed, with a view to deepening students' understanding of and interest in these areas. Students are given set readings every week. Study unit aims: This study-unit is the first unit that students who have chosen the social policy route, undertake as a group. It is intended to deepen their understanding of social policy concepts and values, and the policy process. In particular, it is intended to expose students to different domains in social policy, with a view to helping students identify areas of greatest interest to them which they may then pursue in greater depth at a later stage of their programme. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will, through assignment: • define and discuss core concepts in the design and delivery of welfare; • differentiate between the various stages in the policy cycle and comprehend the meaning and relevance of each stage; • conceptualise the policy process pertaining to a number of different welfare domains in Malta; • critically appraise key trends across a number of different welfare domains in Malta; • critically appraise policy options and outcomes across a number of different welfare domains in Malta; • articulate the policy controversies arising from different ideological viewpoints in respect of the domains under study; • profess a clear understanding of the importance of stakeholder consultation and service user involvement in the policy process; • through set readings, gain familiarity with core texts and the main works of founding scholars in the field of social policy. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will, through class preparation and presentation: • compile and analyse statistics from national and international sources in relation to the areas under study in this unit (as demonstrated in an assignment); • source, present and critically discuss key trends pertaining to the funding, design, coverage and outcomes of diverse policy areas in Malta (as demonstrated during class debate); • through an assignment and detailed feedback thereon, further develop their academic writing skills; • through structured class discussions, further develop their debating skills. Readings List: Main texts Baldock, J., Manning N., Vickerstaff S., Mitton L. (eds.) (2011). Social Policy. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Lister, R. (2010). Understanding theories and concepts in social policy. Bristol, UK: Policy Press. Supplementary readings Castles, F.G., Leibfried, S., Lewis, J., Obinger, H. and Pierson, C. (2010). The Oxford Handbook of the Welfare State. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Gregory, L. (2018). Exploring welfare debates. Bristol, UK: Policy Press. (Subject-specific readings will be provided in class). |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Practical | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Miriam Agius Christian Borg Xuereb Claire Casha Andreana Friggieri Maria Mangion Sara Mizzi Damian Spiteri Sue Vella (Co-ord.) Kurt Xerri |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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