Not available in 2021/22
SP231
Poverty, Inequality, and Social Policy
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Amanda Sheely OLD.2.52
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Environment and Development, BSc in International Social and Public Policy, BSc in International Social and Public Policy and Economics and BSc in International Social and Public Policy with Politics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Course content
This course aims to introduce students to issues surrounding the ways that social policy understands, measures, and seeks to ameliorate poverty and other forms of social disadvantage throughout the life course. Specific policies include: redistribution, basic income guarantees, early childhood education, education, work activiation policies, and social care. This course draws primarily on examples from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Western Europe.
Teaching
Courses in Social Policy will follow the Teaching Model which has been adopted by the Department of Social Policy during the period of the pandemic. This is outlined HERE: /social-policy/Current-Students/teaching-in-the-department-of-social-policy
This course will be taught through a combination of either a recorded lecture plus a follow-up Q and A session or a ‘live’ on-line lecture; and classes/seminars of 1-1.5 hours (with size and length of classes/seminars depending on social distancing requirements).
Further information will be provided by the Course Convenor in the first lecture of the course.
Formative coursework
As preparation for the first summative essay, which is a book review, students will be asked to write a film review following the same format as the summative.
For the second summative essay, students will prepare and present a one-page outline of their policy critique.
Indicative reading
A detailed list will be provided at the start of the session.
H Dean & L Platt (2016) Social Advantage and Disadvantage Oxford University Press
J Hills (2014). Good Times, Bad Times: The Welfare Myth of Them and Us Policy Press
AB Atkinson (2015) Inequality: What Can Be Done? Harvard University Press
S.P. Jenkins (2011) Changing Fortunes: Income Mobility and Poverty Dynamics in Britain Oxford University Press
T. Shildrick, R. MacDonald, C. Webster, & K Garthwaite (2010). The Low-Pay, No-Pay Cycle: Understanding Recurrent Poverty Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Assessment
Essay (60%, 2000 words) in the ST.
Essay (40%, 1500 words) in the LT.
Summative assessment for this course comprises two essays.
The first essay, which takes the format of a book critique is worth 40% of the mark and is due in Lent Term.
The second essay is a policy evaluation. This essay is worth 60% of the mark and is due in Summer Term.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Social Policy
Total students 2020/21: Unavailable
Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable
Capped 2020/21: No
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills
