Module Details

Module Code: SOCG C1701
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: Janette Davies
Module Author:: Susan Barnes
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 students 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 of social policy and service provision in Ireland to protect and provide health, safety, welfare, equality and dignity for all. It will 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 and 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 development of social policy in Ireland in relation to income security, housing, health and education. 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 policy making and 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 influences 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 economy, taxation and budget on service provision and care D1. (P9) D5 (P1, P2, P3, P6, P14, P15)
The role of Social Policy to 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, homelessness and LGBT community. D1 (P) 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 learning of the following proficiencies D1. (P9) D5 - (P1, P2, P3, P6, P14, P15). 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. D1(P9) D5 (P1, P2, P3, P6, P14, P15). 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Assignment Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Considine, M. & Dukelow, F.. (2009), Irish Social Policy. A Critical Introduction, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin.
  • Hogan J. & Murphy, M.. (2021), Policy analysis in Ireland, Policy Press, Bristol UK.
  • McDonald, B.. (2014), An Introduction to Sociology in Ireland, 3rd. Gill & MacMillan, p.224, [ISBN: 9780717156221].
  • Moran, J.. (2013), Unfished Business. Social Policy for Social Care Students, Open Press, Dublin, [ISBN: 97819098950].
  • Sealy, C.. (2015), Social Policy Simplified, Palgrave Macmillan, p.272, [ISBN: 9781137362957].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Cummingham, J. & Cummingham, S.. (2017), Social Policy and Social Work, 2nd ed. Sage, London.
  • Lister, R.. (2010), Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy, The Policy Press, Bristol Uk.
  • Mc Cann, 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.
Discussion Note: