POLI06005 2022 Policy Making & the Policy Process

General Details

Full Title
Policy Making & the Policy Process
Transcript Title
Policy Processes
Code
POLI06005
Attendance
80 %
Subject Area
POLI - Policy Studies
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
10 - 10 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Elizabeth Haran, Breda McTaggart, Sinead Barrins, Martha Doyle, Brenda Feeney, Ailise McDowell
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics SG_WENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Politics
Description

This module provides an understanding of social policy and the policy making processes. It will explore the meaning and nature of social policy and welfare and how this has evolved since the conception of the welfare state in post-industrialist societies. It will consider the historical evolution of social policy both nationally and internationally, its role in contemporary societies and how it impacts on our day to day lives. In the module we will critically explore the role of the state, examine different ideological perspectives and consider the importance of problem construction and policy framing in contemporary social policy debates.  Key theoretical writings on topics, such as power, rights, redistribution, equality and equity, citizenship and social justice will be discussed, debated and critically examined. Students will be equipped with an understanding of the evolving organisation and delivery of welfare and the notion of welfare pluralism, considering the role of the public, private, voluntary and informal sector. Throughout the module reference will be made to current social policy debates in Ireland to gain an applied understanding of the theoretical concepts relating to social policy and welfare development and to allow students to apply and explore key social policy concepts in such areas as children, health, housing, social services, disability and income protection.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Understand the importance and significance of ideological, political, cultural and economic influences on the development of policy

2.

Appreciate the differing interpretation of social problems and the influencing factors on ensuing responses

3.

Identify the key underlying concepts of social policy

4.

Critically explore key policy issues related to welfare and social policy debates in contemporary Ireland.

5.

Understand the key concepts relating to the organisation and delivery of welfare.

6.

Appreciate the history, evolution and development of social policy in Ireland.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The lectures will be interactive, giving the students the opportunity to discuss and debate their interpretations and understandings of contemporary social policy problems and challenges. Teaching and learning strategies will include incorporate principles of UDL, incorporating role play, case studies, group discussion, small group activities, class field trip with the supports of the IT’s VLE.

Module Assessment Strategies

There are three assessment components to this module:

  • Policy Analysis  -The students will undertake a case study examining a contemporary policy issue.  This will comprise of a learning portfolio, presentation and final report. 

Repeat Assessments

Repeat assessment will be developed based on failed component. 

Indicative Syllabus

LO1 :Understand the importance and significance of ideological, political, cultural and economic influences on the development of policy.

In this module, we will explore such questions as, what is social policy and how does it impact on people's everyday lives?  We will consider the function of government, what is the welfare state and what are the aims and functions of a welfare strategy? We will explore the relationship between ideology and social welfare and what we mean by, right and left views of welfare and critically debate what values should inform social policy development and how resources should be distributed.

 

LO 2: Appreciate the differing interpretation of social problems and the influencing factors on ensuing responses.

Focusing on contemporary social challenges such as children’s rights, housing, health care delivery, ageing societies, crime and homelessness, we will consider, what is a Social Problem? How is a social problem constructed? What paradigms are used to interpret a problem? How is problem definition and policy development, influenced by political, economic, cultural, demographic and social factors? 

 

LO 3: Identify the key underlying concepts of social policy.

We will examine the policy making process. What are the key objectives of social policy? What do we mean by agenda setting, policy formulation and decision making? What are the respective roles of politicians and civil servants in relation to the policy formulation process?

 

LO 4: Critically explore key policy issues related to welfare and social policy debates in contemporary Ireland.

We will explore a variety of contemporary social challenges such as children’s rights, housing, health care delivery, ageing societies, crime and homelessness facing Ireland and the wider international arena.

 

LO 5: Understand the key concepts relating to the organisation and delivery of welfare.

We will consider the meaning of the welfare states, what is the social division of welfare, what do we mean by welfare pluralism, its relationship with funding allocation and the role of the public, private, voluntary and informal sector in social policy/welfare provision. Situating our discussion in a comparative context we will consider the utility of  'welfare state typologies' and how they can inform on our understanding of welfare state design and policy reform.

 

LO 6: Appreciate the history, evolution and development of social policy in Ireland.

Through our analysis of contemporary social policy issues and policy frameworks we will develop an appreciation of the history, evolution and development of social policy in Ireland.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Portfolio Coursework Assessment Assessment 40 % OnGoing 2,3,4,6
2 Presentation Coursework Assessment Assessment 20 % Week 8 1,2,6
3 Final Report Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 40 % Week 13 1,3,4,5

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture 3 Weekly 3.00
Workshop / Seminar Flat Classroom Workshop 3 Weekly 3.00
Independent Learning Offsite Facility Independent Learning 4 Weekly 4.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 6.00 Hours

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Parsons, W. (1995), Public Policy: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited

Alcock, P., May, M., and Rowlingson, K. (eds) (2008): The Student's Companion to Social Policy (3 rd Edition). London: Blackwell Press.

Considine, M. and Dukelow, F. (2009): Irish Social Policy: a critical introduction. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.

Kennedy, Patricia. (2013) Key Themes in Social Policy. London: Routledge

Lister, R. (2010). Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy. University of Bristol: Policy Press

Sealey, C. (2015). Social Policy Simplified: Connecting Theory with Peoples Lives. UK: Palgrave

Spicker, P. (2008) Social Policy, themes and approaches. London: Prentice Hall.

Journal Resources
URL Resources
Other Resources
Additional Information