SOCPY100-19A (HAM)

Introduction to Social Policy

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Social Policy

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Gemma Piercy

Gemma Piercy
3584
TCBD.4.03
By appointment
gemma.piercy-cameron@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: rachel.gosnell-maddock@waikato.ac.nz

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: jillene.bydder@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
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    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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This paper introduces students to the core theories that underpin social policy and examines how these are expressed in the practice of social policy. The paper content is global in scope, but has a focus on Western, industrialised societies. Attention is given to the role of values and choices in social policy and the ways in which these are reflected in a range of political ideologies. The discussions of key theories and concepts are linked to real life circumstances and specific social policy issues. This is given practical expression through the contributions of guest lecturers from time to time. These guests provide insights into how social policies impact on real people in real world situations and how policy is operationalised on the front line.

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Paper Structure

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The course has a required text by Robert Drake that provides important theoretical insights to enhance students’ understanding of social policy historically and in the contemporary environment. These theories are covered during lectures on specific policy topics, such as education, health, housing social services and social security. Lectures will also include specific case studies which will canvas the experiences of particular groups such as Māori and youth and specific social problems such as those associated with housing.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a good knowledge of the history of social policy in developed democracies, with an emphasis on New Zealand through tutorial discussion, assignments and exam;
    • Display a good knowledge of the history of social policy in developed democracies, with an emphasis on New Zealand;
    • Identify the key parameters of social policy in developed democracies;
    • Understand the basic theories and concepts employed in the social policy arena;
    • Articulate selected contemporary social policy issues and debates in New Zealand and internationally;
    • Identify social problems and how they are defined;
    • Analyse and evaluate policy responses;
    • Understand the structures, institutions and processes which are characteristic of modern society;
    • Demonstrate independent research skills, including library and internet research;
    • Show enhanced competence in written assessments;
    • Confidently approach further study in social policy, using the solid grounding provided by this paper;
    • Engage with the emphasis on New Zealand social policy that is the focus of the second year paper.
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • List and understand aspects of the basic theories and concepts deployed in the social policy arena;
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Describe selected contemporary social policy issues and debates in New Zealand and internationally;
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  • Identify and discuss different kinds of analysis and evaluations of policy responses under exam conditions;
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  • Understand the structures, institutions and processes that are part of the ‘big five’ policy areas of welfare states: Education, Health, Housing, Social Security and Social Services;
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  • Demonstrate independent research skills, including library and internet research;
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  • Deploy independent research skills to represent information gathered in poster and essay format; and
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  • Provide professional writing in report format used in the work practice of government departments.
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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There are some important rules that need to be followed in the University context. You may not submit assignments (or parts of assignments) for this paper that you have submitted for another paper and any information that you use in assignments needs to be referenced. If you breach these rules you can be referred to the disciplinary committee. At university a high standard of writing is expected for all written assessments. Writing does not come easily to everyone, but in order to make your way in the world of academia and the workplace when you leave the University of Waikato, it is important to develop the skills to write clearly and succinctly without spelling or typographical errors. In particular you need to be able to construct sentences and paragraphs effectively. If you struggle to understand grammar, write complete sentences and paragraphs make time to get your assignments checked by student support learning services.

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 60:40. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 40% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 60:40 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 40% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Assignment 1: Big five Poster
17 Mar 2019
No set time
15
  • Hand-in: In Tutorial
2. Assignment Two: Report on a social problem
5 May 2019
11:30 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Essay
23 May 2019
11:30 PM
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Tutorial participation
10
  • Hand-in: In Tutorial
5. Exam
40
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Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Drake, R. (2003+) The principles of social policy. Palgrave: Basingstoke.

This book provides an excellent grounding in the concepts which underpin social policies and their influence within particular political ideologies. It is not necessary to get the 2003 edition; any edition will be fine.

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Recommended Readings

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Alcock et al, (2003). The student's companion to social policy. Blackwell: Oxford.
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Other Resources

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Additional resources will be available through links on Moodle and we are continuously developing a Waikato Reading List for this paper.
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Online Support

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This paper is supported on Moodle with lecture notes, a range of internet resources, assessment guidelines, and links to extra resources in relevant topic areas.
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Workload

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This paper has close to 40 hours of class contact time in total. Normally, there are 2 hours of lectures per week and a further hour for tutorial work. Successful completion of the paper will require a further 80 hours of self-directed study. You are urged to attend all lectures and scheduled tutorials.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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This paper is a core paper for Social Policy majors and bridges students into the second-year SOCPY papers. It is a required paper for Social Work majors in Tauranga,. This paper also sits well with papers or majors in Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, Legal Studies and Law and the Environmental Planning degree.
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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: SOCP102

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