Course Catalogue

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In this course, the theoretical and ideological concepts of freedom, equality, and justice will be closely analysed in an exploration of intrinsic values relating to specific case studies and policy examples selected from an international context. An interweaving theme of gender will draw together aspects of sexuality, class, and disability that intersect the course.

A weekly two hour Teaching session

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Entry to Honours Social & Public Policy normally requires a grade point average of 12 (grade C3) over Social & Public Policy 2A and 2B (formerly Public Policy 2A and 2B) as a first attempt.

None

None

1 essay of 2,500 words 40%

1 onehour exam 40%

Reflective Learning log 20%

Students will be required to write a reflective learning log (500words) outlining their :-

1. Active participation throughout the course eg prepared for and contributed to small group work, whole class discussions and co-operative learning exercises, including online peer review

2. Reflections on how their active participation has affected their learning and development of graduate attributes

The aims of the course are to:

■ examine in depth the theoretical concepts of freedom, equality and justice;

■ outline different ideological perspectives of these concepts;

■ outline and analyse these concepts in the light of key philosophical and political thinkers;

■ evaluate the conflicting and compatible elements within these concepts, both in theory and in practice;

■ analyse these concepts in relation to, and as a justification for, social and public policies;

■ critically evaluate the application of these core concepts in practice through assessing their relevance to policy case studies and international policy examples.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ define and critically evaluate the theoretical and ideological concepts of freedom, justice and equality;

■ explain in depth different perspectives of these concepts as presented by key philosophical and political thinkers;

■ analyse how and to what extent these concepts conflict and are interdependent with each other;

■ assess how and to what extent these concepts are relevant to social and public policies;

■ critically evaluate the implications of these concepts using specific case studies and international policy examples;

■ Critically assess the development of their graduate attributes

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.