Module Details

Module Code: QUAL C1402
Module Title: Introduction to Social Policy for Social Care Practice
Title: Introduction to Social Policy for Social Care Practice
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: Eileen Farrell
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce the discipline of Social Policy to learners and its application to Social Care Practice. The module aims to develop the learners understanding of social policy and its influence on all aspects of our personal and professional lives. It will provide the learner with an overview of the process of policy and legislation formation. It explores the historical development and the influence of the European Union and other international agencies on the development social policy and service provision in Ireland to protect and provide health, safety, welfare, equality, and dignity for all. It with provide the learner with an understanding of the influence of demography, the economy, political ideology, and social values on the development of social policy and service provision.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify the political, social, cultural factors which have influenced and shaped contemporary Irish society. D1(P9) D5( P1,P2,P3,P6,P14,P15)
LO2 Discuss the emergence of the Irish welfare state and the development of social policy in Ireland in relation to income security, housing, education, health and the commodification of care. D1(P9) D5(P1,P2, P14,).
LO3 Outline concepts such as rights, redistribution, equality, social justice, recognition, social solidarity, marketisation and their relevance to social policy.D1 (P9) D5( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
LO4 Examine the role of social policy in addressing social issues such as poverty, social exclusion, marginalisation, discrimination, homelessness and housing. D1 (P9) D5( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to social policy
What is social policy? The aims of social policy. Key concepts in social policy: e.g., equality, rights, social justice. The policymaking and the legislative process D1 (P9) D5 ( P1, P2, P3, P6, P14, P15)
History and Development of the Irish Welfare State
Historical, political, social and cultural influence. The impact of political ideology and the political spectrum upon policymaking The role and influence of the EU and United Nations Human Rights on social policy development and implementation.D1 (P9) D5( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
Social Service Provision
Structure of Service delivery – the mix economy of welfare. Gender and Welfare – male- breadwinner and dual earner models and their implication for policy. Introduction to income security, housing policy, education, and health policy. The impact of the economy, taxation and budget on the provision of service and care . D1 (P9) D5 ( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
The role of Social Policy in address issues of inequality in Ireland
The measurement of poverty. The groups most at risk of poverty, discrimination etc., Current policy provision to combat social inequality in Ireland. Issue of diversity and discrimination; social policy and Travellers, Immigrants, the homeless and LGBTQ+ community. D1 (P9) D5( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
D1(P9) D5( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
D1 (P9) D5( P1,P2,P3, P6, P14,P15)
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact The material and content covered in the lectures will support the following proficiencies. 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Tutorial Contact The material and content covered in the tutorials will support the following proficiencies via discussion, review of material covered in class and class room activities, guest speakers and role play. The material and content covered in the tutorials will support the following proficiencies via discussion, review of material covered in class and class room activities, guest speakers and role play. 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Assignment Non Contact Self - directed independent learning activities such as readings, documentaries, newspaper articles will be provided via on the virtual learning environment (Blackboard) to expand students understanding and evaluate social issues impacting on social care practice in Ireland and internationally. 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hogan J. & Murphy M. (2021), Policy Analysis in Ireland, Policy Press, Bristol UK.
  • Moran J.. (2013), Unfinished Business. Social Policy for Social Care Students, Open Press, Dublin.
  • Sealy C. , Palgrave.. (2015), Social Policy Simplified, Connecting theory with People's lives, Plagrave, London.
  • Considine M. & Dukelow F.. (2017), Irish Social Policy. A Critical Introduction, 2. Gill and Macmillan, Dublin.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Cummingham J. & Cummingham S.. (2017), Social Policy and Social Work, 2nd. Sage, London.
  • Lister R.. (2010), Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy, The Policy Press, Bristol UK.
  • McCann G.& O'hAdhmail F.. (2020), International Human Rights, Social Policy and Global Development. Critical Perspectives, Policy Press, Bristol UK.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Lyons D. & Brown T.. (2021), Proficiency Guide. Guide to the Standard of Social Care proficiency for Social Care Workers, Ireland.
  • Central Statics Office. Multiple references.
  • Economic and Social Research Institute. Multiple references.
  • Combat Poverty. Multiple references.
  • Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Multiple references.
  • Irish Council for Civil Liberties. Multiple references.
  • Pavee Point. Multiple references.
Discussion Note: