Health & Social Policy in a Contemporary Context DUMF3045

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Social and Environmental Sustainability
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will build on prior HSP courses, offering more theoretical and critical depth. It will specifically examine a range of broad movements, social theories and specific policy areas that are particularly significant to the contemporary policy context.

Timetable

The course will be delivered in a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work (1 hour + 2 hours) over 11 weeks.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

 

At least D pass in L2 courses: Health & Social, Policy & Practice

 

Recommended Entry Requirements

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

Assessment

 

1 x essay on one aspect of the theory bases of the course as related to a particular context [30%];

 

A case study based on a policy analysis of a specific contemporary health and/or social issue [30%]

 

90 minute exam [40%].

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

1. To develop a broad awareness of the core values that inform the contemporary health and policy context;

 

2. To explore the contextual political and socio-economic features that inform aspects of contemporary health and policy;

 

3. To specifically consider theoretical concepts such as: citizenship', 'wellbeing', 'social capital', 'austerity', embodiment, risk and 'nudge theory' and how they shape contemporary health and social policy processes;

 

4. To explore the expression of these principles within a range of substantive policy areas;

 

5. To relate these influences to a range of substantive case studies and significant analytical dimensions [for example, lifecycle and social groups (older people, minority ethnic groups), and gender].

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able:

 

1. To identify the core values that inform the contemporary health and policy context;

 

2. To articulate the contextual political and socio-economic features that inform aspects of contemporary health and policy;

 

3. To demonstrate an in-depth understanding of theoretical concepts such as: 'citizenship', 'wellbeing', 'social capital', 'austerity', embodiment, risk and nudge theory and how they shape contemporary health and social policy processes;

 

4. To critically apply contextual values and features to a range of substantive policy areas;

 

5. To critically relate these contextual influences to a series of substantive case studies and significant analytical dimensions [for example, lifecycle and social groups (older people, minority ethnic groups), and gender].

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit 75% of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. There would be a formal requirement of this course for students to attend at least 80% of all classes to qualify for credit.